05/13/2010 // West Palm Beach, Florida, USA // Nicole Howley // Nicole Howley
Los Angeles, CA—Safety concerns at the Los Angeles County’s Men’s Central Jail are being raised after discovering that only one metal detector, out of the seven detectors at the jail, is operational. Deputies routinely confiscate makeshift weapons from inmates, and with the aging metal detectors, officers are put in even more danger, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The Los Angeles County’s Men’s Central Jail has about 4,000 inmates currently housed at the facility. Makeshift weapons made from sharpened scrap metal are often confiscated by guards who find them hidden in inmate’s cells or clothing. The weapons are usually used in inmate-on-inmate confrontations, but sometimes the weapons are used towards the staff.
After the LA Times made the inquiry about the jail’s substandard metal detectors, the Sheriff’s Department stated that they have committed to replacing three of the seven faulty machines. Two replacements are expected to be installed this week.
Pat-downs and cell searches are increased when the metal-detecting stations are inoperable. Officers usually find several weapons a week.
Sheriff’s Capt. Daniel Cruz said the county’s budget crunch is a big reason behind the delay in replacing the aging metal detectors.
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