LOS ANGELES – Sheriff Robert Luna joined other high-ranking Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials on Wednesday to tout the introduction of body-worn cameras for deputies assigned to county jails.
According to the LASD, it is the first deployment of the technology in Los Angeles County jails. The initiative is designed to enhance safety, accountability and transparency within all the custody facilities run by the department, officials said.
At a Wednesday morning news conference, Luna said the cameras are already having an impact. He mentioned there was been a “significant difference already” and noted that “use of force is already starting to drop.” He also said the presence of the cameras is impacting the behavior of inmates.
“Based on our preliminary feedback that we’re getting, that camera is definitely making a difference in the way inmates are behaving toward our employees,” Luna said.
According to the department, the cameras “provide deputies with a reliable tool to document interactions accurately. They reduce conflicts and improve the review of critical incidents. This helps to create a safer environment for both staff and individuals in their custody.”
The sheriff’s department has faced multiple scandals related to jail conditions.
The state Attorney General’s Office sued Los Angeles County and the sheriff’s department in September. The lawsuit alleges persistent unconstitutional and inhumane conditions inside the jail system. These include lack of access to health care, rat and roach infestations, and feces smeared on walls.
“We need comprehensive reform now, and that’s what this lawsuit is about,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said during a downtown Los Angeles news conference announcing the suit.
The legal action is the result of an investigation that began in 2021. Bonta said the probe uncovered continued issues. These include increasing inmate deaths despite a drop in the jail population. Additionally, overcrowded facilities, inadequate or delayed access to medical and dental care were found. Limited access to basic hygiene supplies such as soap, subpar plumbing, and inadequate air conditioning were also noted.
The sheriff’s department responded by insisting that progress has been made in improving jail conditions. They are meeting the requirements of four existing federal settlement agreements relating to the jails.
“The complaint filed is based on outdated information and lacks support from any substantiated pattern or practice of unlawful conduct,” according to the department. “Further, many of the provisions have already been completed or are being addressed by existing department practices or ongoing federal settlement agreements.
“… The department has invested approximately $309 million in custody facility upgrades and operational improvements. These investments have supported a range of enhancements. These include the hiring of additional custody professional staff and distribution of thermal undergarments, and body worn cameras. The expansion of scent detection K-9’s, closed circuit television systems, and network infrastructure upgrades are also included. Additionally, the water boiler replacement project, food programs, plumbing upgrades, cell and shower suicide prevention projects, as well as the increase of custody-based programming and telehealth programs.”
Luna said the department has fully cooperated with the state investigation into the jail system. In a statement, the department claimed Bonta’s complaint was “based on outdated information and lacks support from any substantiated pattern or practice of unlawful conduct,”
“Despite ongoing challenges, including a rising inmate population and an aging Men’s Central Jail, our staff have remained committed to providing constitutional, humane care to those in our custody,” Luna said at the time. “We are not waiting for mandates. We are proactively advancing reforms to build a safer, more accountable custody environment. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made. I’m also confident in our ability to continue delivering meaningful change for our community.”
