Report released on Santa Clara County correctional deputies
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- The community is getting its first in-depth look at the problem of deputies mishandling inmates at the Santa Clara County jail. The sheriff released new information Friday morning, in response to a recent inmate beating death.
The Santa Clara County sheriff released new information on how she holds deputies accountable at her jail. This came at the request of the blue ribbon commission appointed to look at how the jail is run in response to the recent inmate beating death case.
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The report details pages of disciplinary action taken against correctional deputies, but critics say more transparency is needed.
Sheriff Laurie Smith has come under fire after inmate Michael Tyree was beaten to death back in August while he was behind bars here at the Santa Clara County jail. Three correctional deputies were arrested and face murder charges.
Local activists said more is needed to be done to shine light on what's taking place inside the jail where 1,100 people work, including civilians and a blue ribbon commission was formed.
Today, Sheriff Smith released to the commission details on disciplinary action taken against correctional deputies and officers over the past six years.
"What I hope that it shows, that when we become aware of this conduct we vigorously investigate. That those who are found to have sustained charges that we take swift action," said Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith.
The report shows all internal affairs investigations that have been completed and were not overturned by the personnel board or arbitrator. From 2010 to 2015, there were 83 deputies or officers who worked in the jail who were disciplined for various violations, including excessive force, DUI and inappropriate or romantic relationships with inmates. Two of those disciplined were terminated and 36 were suspended.
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Community activists and commission members say they're appreciative the sheriff released this report, but believe more transparency and information is needed.
"We're not here to tear down police departments. We're here to make better transparency and make better communities," said Reverend Jethroe Moore, Silicon Valley NAACP.
The chairwoman of the blue ribbon commission, Ladoris Cordell, is calling for independent oversight of the jail. Sheriff Smith says she's open to the idea.
