Santa Rita Lawsuit Settlement OKd

A federal judge approved a settlement of a lawsuit over mental health services at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on Feb. 7, over the objections of current prisoners there.

Judge Nathanael Cousins of San Jose had delayed the settlement, negotiated between Alameda County and attorneys for past prisoners at the jail until he could hear from current prisoners there about conditions inside the jail. 

Some three dozen prisoners gave their views in an online hearing on January 27, with all being opposed to the proposed settlement. Several called for the addition of more mental health clinicians and fewer law enforcement officers and staff.

The settlement adds 349 law enforcement personnel and 107 mental and behavioral health workers at the jail.

Some 40 percent of the prisoners at the jail are believed to have mental health problems, with 25 percent having severe mental health problems, according to both mental health advocates and the sheriff’s office.

Judge Cousins said in his decision that the prisoners’ testimony convinced him that jail conditions were in violation of laws and constitutional protections and that immediate relief was needed. He said the settlement was the quickest way to see an improvement.

Lawyers for the current prisoners said they are considering an appeal.

Lt. Ray Kelly of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, which operates Santa Rita, said compliance with the settlement would begin immediately.