Riverside County jails in California are experiencing a surge in homicides and security failures, largely due to an inexperienced staff. In one incident, a guard violated safety protocols by remotely opening a cell door during a fight, leading to the death of a detainee on his first day in jail. The county’s jails have the highest homicide rate among large California jails from 2020 to 2023, with 19 detainee deaths in 2022 alone.
According to The New York Times, security lapses, negligence, and policy violations contributed to the six homicides in county jails from 2020 through 2023. More than half of the guards at one jail were performing security checks far less frequently than required, often missing suspicious activity. In four homicides, detainees were placed in cells that increased their risk, contrary to standard practices.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Chad Bianco, has faced scrutiny over these issues. Sheriff Bianco, who reduced training requirements for guards, is campaigning for the Republican nomination for California governor. His department is under investigation by the California Department of Justice, and more than a dozen wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against the county, resulting in over $13.3 million in settlements.
The jail system’s issues are compounded by long detainee stays, as Riverside County’s jail population awaiting felony case resolution rose from 59% to 86% between 2015 and 2024. This is among the highest rates in the state, contributing to overcrowding and violence.
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