Recent reports have drawn significant attention to the troubling death rate inside San Diego County jails. Amid increasing public concern, there’s been a growing demand for transparency and an open dialogue about the conditions and management of these detention facilities.
In February 2022, a report by the California state auditor pointedly highlighted the alarming death rate within these institutions. A major recommendation emerging from this assessment was the routine public release of the Critical Incident Review Board (CIRB) findings related to these jail deaths. Such a step is envisioned as necessary to ensure public scrutiny, transparency, and accountability of the detention facilities’ operations and management.
This call for openness wasn’t isolated. The county’s civilian oversight board, a body tasked with scrutinizing the operations of the Sheriff’s and Probation departments, issued a similar recommendation earlier this year. Their suggestion followed reports indicating that the number of deaths in local jails had escalated to 20 the previous year. This concerning statistic underscores the need for a more transparent system that not only makes such information accessible to the public but also takes swift corrective action.
The issue took center stage during last year’s electoral campaign. Kelly Martinez, then running for the position of Sheriff, pledged to release the internal records if elected. However, following her election victory, she reversed her stance on the matter.
Chairwoman Paula Whitsell took to Twitter to express her dismay over this reversal. Her tweet highlighted the importance of elected officials upholding their campaign promises, especially those that bear significant consequences for the community they serve. She emphasized, “Elections have consequences,” pointing out the likely different approach that would have been adopted if John Hemmerling, another candidate in the race, had been elected as Sheriff. Whitsell further shed light on the broader implications of such decisions, touching upon the emotional toll on the victims’ families and the economic burden on taxpayers due to the considerable settlements that may ensue.
As the debate continues, Chairwoman Whitsell’s message stands out: the need for leaders who prioritize transparency, uphold their promises, and work relentlessly for the betterment of their community. San Diego County’s residents deserve leaders who act in their best interests, ensure accountability, and foster trust.
Article in yesterday’s SD UT about excess deaths in SD County jails:
“In February 2022, the California state auditor issued a scathing report on the high death rate inside San Diego County jails. One of many recommendations suggested that the sheriff release the CIRB findings…
— Paula Whitsell (@pwhitsell) September 4, 2023
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