L.A. County Pushes New Jail Safety Measures Amid Rising Inmate Deaths

Supervisors demand Sheriff's Department take steps to reduce in-custody fatalities after 10 deaths in first two months of 2026.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:51pm

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Los Angeles County leaders are calling on the Sheriff's Department to implement new health and safety measures in the jail system after 10 inmate deaths in the first two months of 2026, putting the county on track for another record year of in-custody deaths. The supervisors voted to require the department to take steps like increasing access to the overdose reversal drug Naloxone, more closely monitoring cameras, and beefing up safety checks.

Why it matters

The rising death rate in L.A. County jails has become a major concern, with 46 in-custody deaths reported in 2025, up from 32 the previous year. The county faces intense scrutiny from the state over dangerous and deteriorating conditions inside the jails, including issues like filthy cells, infestations, and lack of access to medical and mental health care.

The details

The supervisors voted 4-0 on a motion requiring the Sheriff's Department to take steps to reduce inmate deaths, including increasing access to Naloxone, more closely monitoring cameras, and conducting more frequent safety checks. Sheriff Robert Luna acknowledged that 2026 'is not off to a good start,' noting that the jail population is older and sicker than in the past, with 4 out of 5 inmates facing mental or physical health issues. The county continues to face a lawsuit from the state Attorney General over the poor conditions inside the jails.

  • In the first two months of 2026, 10 inmates have died in L.A. County jails.
  • In 2025, the county reported 46 in-custody deaths, up from 32 in 2024.

The players

Janice Hahn

L.A. County Supervisor who crafted the motion requiring the Sheriff's Department to take new safety measures.

Kathryn Barger

L.A. County Supervisor who abstained from the vote, arguing the county needs to build a new jail facility to address the issue.

Robert Luna

L.A. County Sheriff who acknowledged that 2026 'is not off to a good start' regarding inmate deaths.

Rob Bonta

California Attorney General who sued the Sheriff's Department in September 2025 over dangerous conditions in the jails.

Peggy Lee Kennedy

A caller to the board meeting who urged the county to speed up the closure of Men's Central Jail.

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What they’re saying

“If we don't address this now, we will see another record year of deaths in the County jails — a record we do not want to repeat.”

— Janice Hahn, L.A. County Supervisor

“We must be honest about the limitations of facilities that were never designed to house today's population. I have consistently called for a modern replacement facility focused on treatment and rehabilitation because that is where the real solution lies.”

— Kathryn Barger, L.A. County Supervisor

“Every time I get notified that someone in my care has passed away, it's like a kick in the groin.”

— Robert Luna, L.A. County Sheriff

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Sheriff's Department additional time to implement the new safety measures.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges L.A. County faces in addressing dangerous conditions and high mortality rates within its jail system, raising questions about the need for major reforms, improved mental health and medical care, and potentially a new modern facility designed for rehabilitation rather than just incarceration.