County Jail Needs Scrutiny

Jail officials must be constantly vigilant that prisoners in their custody are not mistreated or their civil rights violated. Complaints to the contrary deserve quick and thorough attention--and any necessary remedial action. Orange County Jail officials say that is how the jail is run. Some prisoners and their attorneys disagree.

The latest allegations are contained in lawsuits filed by more than 20 inmates who claim they were beaten at the County Jail. Others, perhaps dozens more, reportedly told an attorney that they too were beaten. And the FBI is investigating two alleged beatings at the jail.

Charges of jail mistreatment, while always troubling, are not new. In past years there have been similar allegations, other FBI probes and county grand juries have looked into jail conditions.

The most recent abuse to come to light was through a Times review of investigative reports and court documents that earlier this month discovered a brutality case settled last year. That complaint resulted in two criminal convictions for misdemeanor assault and battery against two jail employees and the payment of $95,000 to the former inmate to settle his civil lawsuit.

Potential incidents involving force are a constant part of jail operations. What is always at question when physical force is used is: Was it necessary or excessive? Complaints must be quickly and thoroughly investigated and violations punished.

It is to the sheriff’s credit that the case uncovered did get that thorough investigation and prosecution.

But too often, unless inmates file lawsuits or their attorneys bring alleged abuses out in the open, the public has no idea about such incidents or how well the county is meeting its responsibility to provide a humane and safe environment for all prisoners in its custody--or how many tax dollars are being spent to quietly settle brutality claims.

One county grand jury years ago, in finding no basis for charges of abuse against jailers, did note “an oppressive and threatening atmosphere” at the main County Jail, which it blamed on a “vicious cycle of mutual antagonism and harassment between inmates and deputies.”

That was years ago, but considering the recent convictions for abuse, and new lawsuits filed, it would be in the best interest of the public and jail officials if this year’s grand jury, in its watchdog role, studied the jail’s current environment while the FBI completes its probe to determine any criminal wrongdoing.