ACLU Sues to Ban Use of Jail Medical Cells
The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit Tuesday, asking a federal judge to order that no more inmates be held in medical isolation cells at Orange County Jail under current conditions.
ACLU attorney Richard P. Herman, who earlier announced plans to file the suit, said that if the cells are used, they should be limited to one inmate and be monitored by closed-circuit television.
In two separate incidents in January, two inmates were found dead in isolation cells.
Another inmate, who shared a cell with the first victim and then shared another cell with the second victim, has been charged in the deaths.
The lawsuit also contended that two medical wards, which are separate from the medical isolation cells, are being used for general inmate housing because of jail overcrowding.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
