Sacramento County Main Jail Women's Holding Cells

REASON FOR INVESTIGATION

A complaint was received alleging that the conditions in the women's holding cells at the Sacramento County Main Jail were in violation of sections of the Health and Safety and Penal Codes that apply to the jails and inmate conditions.

BACKGROUND

There were several allegations involving the holding cells for the females such as:

· No water basins;
· No soap for washing hands;
· The drinking fountain is used for drinking water and for washing hands;
· No privacy screens for the toilets;
· Lack of adequate air circulation or air conditioning;
· No testing of communicable diseases for the arrestee;
· No place for disposal of feminine sanitary napkins; and
· Male deputies were walking up and down the hallway outside the women's holding cells.

PROCEDURES FOLLOWED

The holding cells for both males and females at the Sacramento County Main Jail were inspected. Command staff was questioned regarding the areas of concern. Applicable laws pertaining to th jails and holding cells were reviewed.

FINDINGS

· There is a wash basin in every holding cell;
· Soap is provided upon request for personal hygiene;
· The cells were designed with a combination of a wash basin and drinking fountain for dual purpose;
· Privacy screens were in place and designed to cover a person from waist to knees;
· Air conditioning is provided and the temperature ranges from 72-74 degrees;
· Nurses were observed in the Intake and Holding areas. Written policies and orders for Intake Classification and Contagious Diseases Management were in compliance with the Penal Code;
· The toilet and sewer system is designed to allow the disposal of the feminine napkin of any type to be flushed down the toilet; and
· Male and female deputies were observed outside the women's holding cells due to the physical layout of the intake area. Male deputies on occasion assist with unruly female inmates in the holding cells. This is in compliance with jail policy.

CONCLUSIONS

The allegations were unfounded. The Sacramento County Main Jail is in compliance with the applicable sections of the Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, California Administrative Codes Title 15 and Title 24, and their own Operation Policy.

RECOMMENDATIONS

None.

RESPONSE REQUIRED

None.