In response to a recent surge in violence at California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities, prison authorities conducted contraband enforcement sweeps at more than 20 correctional institutions across the state, including at the Los Angeles County facility.
In a news release, CDCR officials noted that between May 29 and June 12, there were two homicides and eight unexpected deaths, including possible overdoses. There were three attempted homicides on peace officers and nine on inmates.
Additionally, there were a total of three riots that nearly 170 inmates participated in.
Prison officials further reported 31 armed cases of battery against staff and 140 cases without weapons. There were seven cases of armed assault on prison staff and 35 unarmed assaults.
Where inmates are concerned, the release stated there were 25 cases of armed battery and 109 cases of battery that did not involve the use of a weapon.
During sweeps for contraband, prison officials reported confiscating the following:
- 53 improvised weapons
- 66 cellphones
- 24 syringes
- 155 of illicit items, including controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, escape tools, metal stock and other banned materials
To safely conduct the contraband sweeps, prison officials limited inmates’ access to certain areas inside the facilities, allowing for daily cell and bunk searches in housing units, K9 searches for drugs and cellphones and searching mail for contraband.
“CDCR has an obligation to ensure public safety for staff, incarcerated individuals and the communities,” CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber said. “Recent violence coupled with serious contraband discoveries shows limited movement at certain institutions is needed. We recognize the concerns of the incarcerated and their families and how this impacts participation in rehabilitation programs and visiting.”
Each of the institutions, according to the release, will continue systemic searches and assess when the changes to inmates’ movements inside the facilities can return to normal.
