pexels-anna-shvets-3683118Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Vows To Crack Down On Drug Smuggling Into Downtown Jail After Three Inmates Die

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (September 21, 2024) – Three inmates have died in Sacramento County so far in 2024 from apparent drug overdoses, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.

The three deaths were followed by 75 instances of jail officials administering Narcan to save lives during an overdose. For their part, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said that they plan to take additional steps to prevent illicit drugs from entering the jail in the first place.

In the last month alone, there were 11 different cases of drugs smuggled into the jail. Part of the problem is that relatives of inmates are facilitating drug purchases and smuggling.

Liability For Sacramento County Inmate Deaths 

Drug overdoses remain a leading cause of inmate death within jails. According to National Public Radio, “From 2001 to 2018, the number of people who have died of drug or alcohol intoxication in state prisons rose more than 600%, according to an analysis of newly-released data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In county jails, overdose deaths increased by more than 200%.” Jails should take a number of actions in order to prevent overdose deaths.

  • Jails should be stocked with Narcan in case an inmate is going through an overdose.
  • Jails should medically clear all inmates before they are allowed to enter.
  • Jail staff should be trained to recognize the signs of an overdose.

Jails have a legal obligation to provide inmates with adequate care for all of their medical conditions. This includes care in the event of a drug overdose. Among other things, inmates who are at risk of overdose or withdrawal may need to go through medical detoxification. When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a civil claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any inmate death.

  • Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
  • An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.

It can be hard to know where to begin after any inmate death. To make matters worse, jails will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility when an inmate in their care dies. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved after any inmate death. At the end of the day, evidence can help paint a clear picture of what happened, regardless of what jail officials may claim.

Investigating California Inmate Overdose Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the families of the inmates who died in Sacramento County. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Going to jail should never be a death sentence due to neglect.

Do you need more information about an inmate death in Sacramento County? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that jails are held to account for their unconstitutional actions. 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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