In a decisive move that shifts the landscape of correctional oversight in San Diego County, the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance broadening the jurisdiction of the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB). As reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune, this new mandate grants CLERB the power to review the actions of jail healthcare workers in the aftermath of in-custody deaths. It is a significant development following continued mortality among those housed in San Diego County sheriff’s custody.
The 4-1 vote came about after nearly a year-long debate spearheaded by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe and overcame opposition from Sheriff Kelly Martinez. Desmond, who opposed the measure, wished for an independent assessment of the healthcare services instead. Despite the Sheriff’s voiced concerns over this unprecedented ordinance, most of the Board sided with Steppe’s vision that CLERB be equipped to ensure more thorough investigations, as the exclusion of jurisdiction over healthcare providers in the jail system has often hampered them.
While at odds with the passed ordinance, Sheriff Martinez did not relent in her commitment to improving jail healthcare. As per the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, she confirmed the department’s efforts in enhancing medical, mental health, and substance use treatment across the county jails. The Sheriff emphasized the progress made under her tenure and pledged to support the essential work performed by correctional health staff and community service partners, despite the differing approaches to oversight and prevention outlined by the Board…