A recent report from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) alleges that jail inmates in Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail are routinely subject to brutal beatings at the hands of jail guards and fellow inmates. The report was based on interviews with inmates, relatives, and other sources. Many are now calling for the closure of the facility after explicit details of the report emerged.

Some stories highlighted in the report include one county jail inmate who was beaten while handcuffed and had both ankles broken after being repeatedly struck by a group of deputies with their flashlights. A sex offender in the jail alleged deputies purposely placed him in the general population, and as a result, was beaten by fellow inmates to the point of passing uncontrollable bowel movements. Mary Tiedman, one of the report’s authors, stated she regularly sees prisoners with black eyes, broken bones, and boot marks on prisoners’ bodies, indicating the injuries were caused by jail guards, who are the only people in the jail permitted to wear hard shoes.

The Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail opened in 1963 and is the largest of its kind in the United States. Allegations of excessive abuse by deputies date as far back as 1975. The ACLU has been monitoring the jail since 2006, when the organization was appointed to do so by a judge. Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca also endorses the closing of the jail. The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors is said to be close to approving such a move.

If a loved one is currently serving time in this jail facility or any other jail facility in Southern California, it is important to ensure that they are not being violated by the system. Inmates should be able to be supervised in jail without beatings from officers or fellow inmates and be eligible to have their sentences reduced after considerations to time served, good behavior, and other factors.

If you or a loved one is facing time in jail or a loved one is currently serving time in jail, contact the Southern California criminal defense attorneys at Wallin and Klarich. Wallin & Klarich will help ensure your rights are protected and you will not face jail time, or have your jail time significantly reduced. For over 30 years, our attorneys have been helping clients get probation or community service in lieu of jail time. Please call us at (888) 280-6839 or visit our websites at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.