Well, it’s notorious in part because a lot of people are getting killed in it. Before the pandemic, the jail might have two or three deaths in a year. Last year there were 15. And they’re up to seven this year, four in the last 30 days.
The conditions are terrible. The infrastructure is falling apart. And the infrastructure is actually difficult to repair, because repair people are afraid to go in because the level of supervision isn’t safe, in their opinion. The medical services provider pulled out and had to be dragged back in by the county.
Like, we’re talking about a systemic problem that is expressing itself, you know, in a problem in the jail. That jail is overfull because it’s overfull with people who largely shouldn’t be there. The most common charge for somebody being jailed is criminal trespassing, which could be, you know, painting something on a wall, shoplifting. Five percent of the people in there are in there for shoplifting charges, including the fellow who died last Thursday.
But he’s one of 15 people. And when you start drilling down into the other deaths that have occurred, two people were murdered. One was strangled in his bed. The people are dying of preventable illnesses. And a lot of it is tied to mental health problems. The jail is the largest mental health provider in this county. And that’s a tragedy all on its own and has to stop.It’s no secret that it’s a tough time for independent journalism.
Furthermore, your support lets us report on climate, labor, LGBTQ rights, policing, education, and more – all from a position of true independence and with our signature focus on social justice.If you can help us make it through this difficult time, please make a tax-deductible gift today.