Riverside County jails saw 19 detainee deaths in 2022, leading to a $12M settlement and state investigation.

In 2022, Riverside County jails saw 19 detainee deaths, marking the deadliest year in at least three decades and ranking it among the most lethal systems in the US. The deaths, due to homicide, overdose, natural causes, and suicide, exposed issues like neglect by staff, access to drugs, and risky cell assignments. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department failed to properly monitor detainees, enforce safety rules, and manage those with mental illnesses. California's attorney general is investigating these custodial deaths, and the county has agreed to pay over $12 million to settle related lawsuits.

November 14, 2024
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