California Sues Los Angeles County Over Jail Conditions
LOS ANGELES, CA - California Attorney General rob Bonta announced a lawsuit Monday against Los Angeles County, alleging “inhumane conditions” and a “shocking rate of deaths” within the county’s jail system. The suit seeks to compel the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Correctional Health Services to enact comprehensive reforms to healthcare,confinement conditions,and grievance procedures.
“We can’t wait any longer,” Bonta stated at a press conference. “We need comprehensive reform and we need it now.”
The lawsuit alleges that the approximately 14,000 individuals held daily in L.A. county jails are exposed to rat infestations,spoiled food,and lack of clean water. It further claims that nearly 40% of deaths in the jails over the past decade were preventable, with three dozen custody deaths already recorded this year.
According to the Attorney General’s office, decades of court monitoring have failed to resolve persistent constitutional violations, while the county has spent millions defending and settling related litigation. The complaint asserts a “longstanding pattern of resisting oversight and accountability” instead of addressing underlying issues.Los Angeles County operates the state’s largest jail system,comprising eight facilities. This action follows increased scrutiny of jail conditions and deaths across California.Last year, the state appointed an official to investigate jail deaths and Bonta’s office launched a civil rights inquiry into the Riverside County jail. CalMatters reported in March 2024 that deaths in California jails rose even as jail populations declined due to sentencing law changes.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has not yet responded to requests for comment.
This lawsuit builds on a growing concern regarding jail conditions in California. Readers can find more information and sign up for updates from CalMatters at ters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/.
