Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis on Monday withdrew a motion that sought to dramatically reduce the number of people locked up in county jails, including a proposal to return to a nearly bail-free state similar to the COVID pandemic -19, in which most of those arrested were released immediately.
The motion, filed by Solis and Lindsay Horvath, said the county should “depopulate and decarcerate” by ordering, in part, the agencies that control the jail and its inmates, the Los Angeles County Superior Court and the Sheriff’s Department , to consider releasing all those serving felony sentences, “who can be safely released into the community”, among a long list of other possibilities.
It came just as the county faces the prospect of a contempt ruling in one of three trials heard in federal court alleging poor prison conditions and treatment of people with mental illness.
The motion, which was to be heard at the public council meeting on Tuesday, also proposed releasing all those arrested on bail set at $50,000 or less, including those charged with domestic violence, and an effort to encourage officials of the state to send fewer people to the service. prison terms in county jails, required after the passage of state prison reform initiatives.
Two other supervisors, Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn, submitted written statements in opposition, both citing concerns about the danger to public safety from the mass release of detainees.
“I support balanced reform efforts, but not at the expense of community safety,” said Barger, who has backed talks about building more modern correctional facilities with more integrated mental health treatment space.
They would have the choice between remaining in prison or undergoing treatment.
The Central Men’s Jail must be replaced with a carefully planned, secure rehabilitation facility that can provide the people it serves with desperately needed mental health and addictions services. Over 40% of our prison population suffers from a mental illness; these needs must be met if we are to cultivate a safer county,” he said.
The Horvath-Solis motion would need 3 votes to pass, if resubmitted.
Solis said in a new statement Monday that he had referred the motion to his office for further consideration, after hearing from a “variety of interested parties.”
“Those who think the motion doesn’t do enough and those who think it does too much,” the statement said.
The Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association sent a letter to the council opposing any quick action, saying more public debate was needed.
“We hope, at some point, to address our many concerns directly with BOS prior to any implementation related to this motion,” the letter said.