Nine people have died in Los Angeles County jails this year. This alarming trend began in January 2026. Seven deaths occurred in January alone. Two more deaths followed in early February. Sheriff Robert Luna called this start “not good.”. This pace matches early 2025. Nine deaths were reported by the end of February 2025. The year 2025 saw 46 in-custody deaths total. In contrast, 2024 had 32 deaths. The year 2023 recorded 45 deaths. Los Angeles County operates the world’s largest jail system. It faces intense scrutiny. This includes a lawsuit from the state. Attorney General Rob Bonta sued in September 2025. The suit alleges inhumane conditions. It cites “shocking” death rates. These deaths are often preventable.
Deepening Health Crisis in Jails
Sheriff Luna points to the inmate population. It is aging. Many inmates are medically fragile. They increasingly need mental health help. About 82% of inmates have at least one health issue. This data comes from the Sheriff’s Department. Correctional Health Services faces a heavy workload. They recorded over 40,000 patient contacts in one month. The jail population is also growing. It reached about 13,500 inmates by October 2025. This is the highest since May 2023. Historically, mental health issues are prevalent. In 2018, 30% of inmates needed mental health treatment. Now, the county jail system is called the largest mental health facility in the U.S..
State Lawsuit Highlights Poor Conditions
The state’s lawsuit details serious problems. These include filthy cells. Toilets overflow. There are rat and roach infestations. Clean water is often unavailable. Inmates also get spoiled meals. These conditions violate constitutional rights. The suit blames these issues for preventable deaths. These include suicides and overdoses. Nearly 40% of jail deaths over the last decade were preventable. This is according to the lawsuit. Jail conditions have long been criticized. They are called “deplorable” and “barbaric”. Decades of court monitoring have not fixed systemic issues.
Sheriff’s Department Implements Reforms
Sheriff Luna states the department is acting. Reforms aim to reduce deaths. They also seek better inmate care. One reform is body-worn cameras. Deputies are now using them in key jails. This includes Men’s Central Jail and Twin Towers. The department is improving the Inmate Reception Center. This is where inmates are booked. The goal is better health screening. A new mental health assessment area is now in place. It offers more privacy. This helps identify issues early. The department is also exploring a specialized care center. This center would house fragile inmates. Pilot programs for vital monitoring are underway. Every death triggers a review. This happens within 48 hours. Multiple agencies participate.
Looking Ahead: Persistent Challenges
Despite reforms, challenges persist. The Los Angeles jail system remains large and complex. News reports highlight ongoing concerns. The Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission will investigate health services. They will focus on 2025 suicides and drug deaths. The news also notes the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is working with the DOJ. They aim to comply with settlement agreements. The spotlight on Los Angeles County jails remains bright. The number of deaths demands continued attention. Improving care and conditions is vital. This is crucial for inmate welfare and public trust.
