LA County starts equipping jail deputies with body cameras to boost accountability amid rising inmate deaths and poor conditions.

Los Angeles County has begun equipping jail deputies with 4,641 body-worn cameras at four major facilities starting October 1, aiming to improve transparency and accountability amid a surge in inmate deaths and ongoing scrutiny of jail conditions. The rollout follows a state lawsuit over dangerous conditions, including vermin infestations and lack of clean water and food, and comes after past failures to act on recorded misconduct. While officials and advocates see the cameras as a positive step, they stress that their impact depends on consistent use, proper training, and meaningful review of footage to drive real change.