COUNTY SETTLES LAWSUIT OVER COUNTY JAIL CONDITIONS

San Bernardino County announced Wednesday that it has settled a class-action lawsuit filed against the county over the constitutionality of the conditions in county jails. Under the conditions of the settlement, county jail officials have agreed to substantially increase the amount of time that most inmates are allowed outside of their cells; revise the policy concerning use of force against inmates by deputies; be more accommodating to inmates with disabilities; and expand access to healthcare. Sheriff John McMahon said in a statement that while the county denies the existing conditions in the jails are unlawful, more deputies and medical personnel have been hired “to ensure the safety of inmates and staff.”