Sheriff's Deputies escort inmates down a secured hallway at downtown Central Jail Nov. 18, 2015, in San Diego. San Diego County jails have had more inmate deaths than comparable sized counties for the past 14 years and have consistently failed to address the problem, according to an independent review by California’s state auditor that recommended the state Legislature intervene. (Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP)
JULIE WATSONThe Associated PressSAN DIEGO (AP) – Inmate deaths in San Diego County jails have ranked among the highest in California for the past 15 years and authorities have consistently failed to address the problem, according to an independent review released Thursday by the state auditor that recommended intervention by the Legislature.From 2006 through 2020, 185 people died in San Diego County’s jails, one of the highest totals in California.The review requested by lawmakers found that the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department failed to adequately assess inmates’ physical and mental health, which it said likely contributed to the deaths. Corrections officers also did not visually check enough on inmates to ensure their safety.A citizen-governed board appro
