A federal judge in Los Angeles, California has recently given the approval to an agreement that will require the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to improve conditions — in all jails.
On Monday, a preliminary approval of a 23-page settlement agreement with the ACLU of Southern California took place after a six year battle in which attorneys filed a class-actions suit. The suit listed allegations of discrimination and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Eighth and 14th Amendments.
There are a range of improvements that are going to start taking place for those inmates who currently use a wheelchair, as well as others with impaired mobility. These various improvements include: equal access to jail programming, more wheelchair-accessible cells and showers, and that wheelchairs are provided when needed.
Currently, more jail cells are being constructed that will be easily accessible for the mobility-impaired. In fact, the number of cells will be more than doubled — from 20 to 450. As well, there will be a new complaint process in which inmates will be able to receive a secondary review to help ensure medical issues are in fact part of the decision when asked to get out of their wheelchair. Wheelchairs given to inmates will also need to be maintained and remain in great working condition.
The Los Angeles County has considered replacing the 50-year-old Men’s Central Jail with a completely new facility. This idea is currently being examined; a more detailed report on the subject is in the works. As of now, the estimated price for this project is $2 billion.
Everyone Is Equal
Making these adjustments to jails throughout the city of Los Angeles is very important. Once these changes actually go into motion, the fact that everyone should be treated equally will be even more prominent.
Cutter has been featured in various online magazines and print anthologies, showcasing his short stories and poems. In addition to his work as a writer, Cutter works as an actor in the San Diego area, his experience varying from local commercials to independent features. He currently works at CreativeMob as a web copywriter.
