The Whittier Court Building is an older facility whose original structure has been added to and which has had various modifications as requirements changed over a period of years. As a result of these multiple renovations, certain constraints now exist, both in the building and on the site, which give rise to concerns about both safety and privacy of inmates.
A single cell, which is separate from the main jail, is used as a holding area for inmates who are scheduled to appear in Division 6 or 7. During their transit from the main jail to this cell, they are in prison attire, manacled, and are visible to jurors from the various courts as they pass through an outdoor area used for smoke and rest breaks. Also adjacent to this common-use area is a public playground which has only a patchy shrubbery screening wall to shield it from the area traversed by the inmates. The negative impact on jurors, the children in the park, and the general public at large from observing the prison-garbed and handcuffed inmates could be extremely deleterious, and even prejudicial, in the ultimate resolution of pending cases.
An added dimension to the risk of continued use of the isolated holding cell is the lack of an air tank (SCBA) needed by Sheriff's Department personnel to lead inmates to safety in the event of a jail fire and resultant dense smoke. This issue remains critical and should be viewed by all concerned as a "life or death" matter.
Since the inspection of the Whittier Courthouse lock-up by the Jails Committee, court administrative personnel have indicated their intention to discontinue the use of this isolated cell for detention purposes in the future.
It is recommended that the Sheriff's Department:
Implement a written policy which mandates the use of the single isolated holding cell, located between Divisions 6 and 7, for emergency requirements only, and with the provision that a qualified custodial officer be present to oversee the inmates well being during this occupancy period.