Jail government

L.A. County inmate councils give inmates an outlet to vent their complaints to jail officials and may be part of a larger shift toward more humane treatment of inmates. Above, an inmate council meeting at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic in June.

(Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 17, 2015 3 AM PT

Charles Robertson, left, James Williams and Rick Herst are among inmates participating in an inmate council at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

(Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Charles Robertson takes notes at an inmate council meeting at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

(Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Robert Scott, left, and Charles Wesley participate in an inmate council meeting at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

(Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Charles Robertson, left, Capt. Chuck Antuna, James Williams and Rick Herst participate in an inmate council meeting at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

(Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

An inmate council meeting at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

(Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)