pexels-ron-lach-10475008Investigation Underway After Inmate Died In Custody At The Sacramento County Main Jail 

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (October 29, 2028) – An inmate has tragically died in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail following some type of medical emergency.

Sacramento County officials are saying that the incident took place around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. An inmate was in a cell in the detox area of the jail.

Correctional officers noticed that the inmate was unresponsive. Medical staff began life-saving measures in order to help the inmate.

But he was later pronounced dead at the jail. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Legal Considerations For Sacramento County Inmate Deaths

Inmates are at greater risk than the general population of overdosing and going through serious withdrawal. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “Among OUD screenings conducted at intake, about 15% were positive. Of those admitted during the same 1-month period, an estimated 5% were treated for opioid withdrawal. Of the estimated 734,470 persons confined in local jails at midyear 2019, about 1% were receiving MAT for OUD.” Jail should take a number of measures when an inmate is at risk of opioid withdrawal.

  • Inmates should get a thorough medical screening and assessment.
  • Inmates should be continuously monitored after they are admitted.
  • Inmates may need to be put in specialized cells for detoxification.
  • Inmates should be given adequate hydration and nutrition.

When a jail puts an inmate in custody, certain constitutional standards will apply. All inmates have a constitutional right to be free from cruel and unusual forms of punishment. The Supreme Court of the United States has held on numerous occasions that failing to treat the serious medical needs of an inmate is a form of cruel and unusual punishment and therefore prohibited. Jails may have made a number of mistakes when it comes to caring for an inmate going through opioid withdrawal.

  • Jails may have delayed a medical evaluation.
  • Jails may not have given inmates medication-assisted treatment.
  • Jails may have failed to follow established protocols.

Inmate deaths are often highly preventable in a jail setting. This is particularly true when an inmate is going through withdrawal. Part of the problem is that jails are often understaffed. The staff that remains may not be particularly well trained. It is important that all inmates and their families understand that they do have rights. The family of any person who died in custody may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Investigating Sacramento County Inmate Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died at this jail. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Going to jail should never become a death sentence due to neglect.

Have you or someone that you care about been harmed while staying at the Sacramento County Main Jail? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.

 

 

 

 

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