Community Demands Closure of Men’s Central Jail, More Mental Health and Drug Treatment Beds
Giant billboards, a mobile ad with video and digital messages, and TV spots are part of a media blitz launched at a rally in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 16, by several groups demanding the closure of Men’s Central Jail and more county mental health and drug treatment beds.
The Problem: Too Many People with Mental Illness or Addiction in Jail
The demands of protesters reflect an intractable problem that has frustrated the county, the Board of Supervisors, and law enforcement for decades. At the heart of the problem: should the jail close, there are no immediate alternatives available. Non-profit organizations, such as Dignity & Power Now, Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA CAN), and Community Care Works, are pushing for a different approach.
Community Care Works and Its Demands
Community Care Works is leading the charge, with its communications manager, Janet Asante, stating, "We want to divest from incarceration. We demand the L.A. County Board of Supervisors invest in care. Community care works."
The group is asking for a significant increase in community-based mental health beds, up to 10,000 beds, to provide more effective alternatives to incarceration. The current county budget does not provide enough resources to meet the need.
County Efforts to Address the Issue
The county Board of Supervisors has taken steps to address the issue. At a recent budget meeting, the county staff said more money is going toward alternatives to incarceration. The county’s new 2024-2025 budget includes $626.4 million for the Care First, Community Investment programs (CFCI), an increase of 89% since 2020.
Challenges in Implementing Change
Although progress has been made, the groups recognize that implementing change is challenging. Asante stated, "We want the county to bring online 10,000 community healthcare beds. Where the breakdown happens is in the implementation. We are saying they need to make sure departments work together and bring in those beds."
Community Voices and Experiences
Asael Roblero, whose son was in Men’s Central Jail, spoke at the rally, sharing his son’s struggles with mental illness and the lack of adequate treatment. James Nelson, a former inmate at Men’s Central Jail, addressed the media, highlighting the mistreatment he experienced during his time in custody.
Conclusion
The community is coming together to demand change, calling for more community-based mental health services and drug treatment beds. While the county has taken steps to address the issue, more needs to be done to provide effective alternatives to incarceration. The community is united in its demand for change, and it is up to the county to make it happen.
FAQs
Q: What is the problem with Men’s Central Jail?
A: Men’s Central Jail is an outdated facility that has been plagued with deaths and abuse allegations.
Q: What are the demands of the protesters?
A: The protesters are demanding the closure of Men’s Central Jail and the creation of more community-based mental health and drug treatment beds, specifically up to 10,000 beds.
Q: What is the current budget allocation for alternative incarceration programs?
A: The county’s new 2024-2025 budget includes $626.4 million for the Care First, Community Investment programs (CFCI), an increase of 89% since 2020.
Q: What is the current capacity of the jail and its population?
A: The jail has an estimated capacity of approximately 3,000 inmates, but is currently at 100% capacity, with 53% of inmates having mental health conditions.
