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Justice Department reaches settlement with San Luis Obispo County over jail conditions

E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California

The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement with San Luis Obispo County to address claims that conditions at the county jail violated federal laws, including the Eighth and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The agreement acknowledges improvements made by the county while outlining further reforms needed.

United States Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the importance of civil rights, stating, “Safeguarding civil rights is core to American values.” He noted that cooperation from San Luis Obispo County led to a comprehensive agreement aimed at enhancing safety and civil rights for incarcerated individuals. Reforms will focus on suicide prevention, restrictive housing, use of force, and quality assurance.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke highlighted ongoing improvements but stressed more work is necessary for constitutional compliance. “This agreement includes strong remedial provisions that, if fully implemented, should improve suicide prevention, reduce excessive force, and reduce the use of unnecessary isolation,” she said.

Key measures in the agreement require protecting those at risk of suicide, avoiding isolation for individuals with serious mental illnesses unless necessary protections are in place, ensuring staff's use of force aligns with constitutional standards, and implementing a quality assurance program. A lead expert will be appointed to monitor compliance and provide assistance.

The investigation began in October 2018 under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) and ADA. Findings were communicated to San Luis Obispo County in August 2021.

Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Barragan led this investigation alongside the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

The Civil Rights Division remains focused on unconstitutional conditions in correctional facilities nationwide. It has launched investigations across several states and entered agreements concerning various facilities to ensure compliance with federal law.

Further details about the Civil Rights Division can be found on its website. Residents in California's Central District can report civil rights violations through provided contact methods.