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| Report on LA county jail suggests upgrades |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 09/20/2004 |
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A panel that investigated the deaths of five inmates at county jails recommended more than 50 revisions to improve the safety for jailhouse witnesses. The Jailhouse Witness Protection Task Force, appointed by District Attorney Steve Cooley, found the current inmate telephone and visitation systems allow inmates to easily locate others who may be witnesses in the case against them. "If witnesses refuse to come forward out of fear for their lives, justice is thwarted and public safety inevitably suffers," Cooley said Wednesday. "The time for introspection is over. The time for action is now." Cooley faulted the Sheriff's Department for lapses in monitoring telephone conversations, tracking inmates and classifying witnesses who are in custody. The task force released its 32-page report last Thursday and was tapped to review the county's jail safety after five inmates were killed over a six-month period. The report said that witnesses, both in and out of jail, face more frequent and violent retaliation for agreeing to cooperate with law enforcement. The report recommends the Sheriff's Department should establish a witness protection unit, which would be responsible for identifying, classifying, housing and transporting inmates who need protective custody. No cost estimate was given but the county Board of Supervisors has allocated $5 million to help pay for any upgrades. Baca called the report "straightforward" and "sober" and said the recommendations echoed what he already knew should be done. A separate unit would be worth considering, he said. Other recommendations include expanding a wristband scanning system to reduce unauthorized inmate movement; increase use of video monitoring; creating more alternative housing for witnesses; and recording telephone calls and inmate visits to monitor possible threats. |
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