By Ian Parkinson
When it comes to improvements at the County Jail, I can think of no better way to phrase it than we’ve come a long way. Recently, the Sheriff’s Office announced that it entered into a Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to address allegations regarding conditions at the jail. From the outset of the DOJ investigation, the Sheriff’s Office worked collaboratively to resolve any identified deficiencies, underscoring its commitment to transparency and reform.
This Settlement Agreement not only resolves past allegations but also highlights the remarkable progress the jail has made in recent years, earning recognition as a leader in jail services both statewide and nationally.
In 2019, the Sheriff’s Office made significant strides to overhaul the jail’s healthcare system. A comprehensive contract was established with Wellpath, a respected private provider specializing in correctional healthcare, to deliver physical, mental health, and dental services to inmates. To ensure these services met the highest standards, I appointed a full-time Chief Medical Officer to oversee the contract.
The results have been transformative. By creating a dedicated behavioral health unit, the jail addressed the needs of inmates with mental health challenges more effectively. This was part of a broader goal to improve healthcare outcomes and achieve national accreditation, a benchmark of excellence in correctional healthcare.
Later in 2019, the National Stepping Up Initiative recognized San Luis Obispo County as an Innovator County for its groundbreaking efforts to reduce the number of individuals with mental illness in jails. This recognition underscored the county’s commitment to improving outcomes for a vulnerable population often underserved in the criminal justice system.
One of the standout programs driving this success is the Behavioral Health Incentive Program, introduced to encourage positive behavior and social integration among inmates with severe mental illness. The program rewards inmates for maintaining proper hygiene, cleaning their cells, participating in programs, attending medical and mental health appointments, and engaging in positive interactions. Rewards include simple but impactful items such as candy bars, hygiene products, and sketch pads.
This innovative approach has led to significant improvements in inmate behavior. Jail assaults have decreased, and the use of isolation cells has been greatly reduced. These changes not only benefit inmates but also enhance the safety and working conditions for correctional deputies by reducing tension and conflict.
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) honored the jail with its prestigious Challenge Award for the Behavioral Health Incentive Program. Along with that, we also reorganized the housing placement of inmates, trained staff for specialized positions, and contracted with the California Department of State Hospitals to implement a Jail Based Competency Treatment Program (JBCT), which is designed to provide care, treatment, and services to assist patients in becoming competent to stand trial. As a result, CSAC has also designated us as an Innovator County, which means other counties from all over come to our facility to see how a successful program like ours might be implemented in their county.
Additionally, in 2022, the jail achieved accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), a significant milestone that confirms the facility meets rigorous standards for correctional healthcare. The NCCHC’s evaluation process involved an in-depth assessment of areas such as patient care, health promotion, disease prevention, governance, and personnel training. This accreditation places the jail among an elite group of facilities nationwide committed to providing high-quality care.
The Settlement Agreement with the DOJ reflects not only the progress made but also the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing dedication to maintaining these improvements. It serves as a reminder that meaningful reform is possible when accountability, innovation, and collaboration guide the process. The jail’s journey from scrutiny to recognition illustrates that progress is not just about resolving deficiencies but about creating a system that promotes dignity, safety, and hope for those in its care.
