San Francisco County Jails 2 and 3 have been placed on lockdown over the weekend following reports of physical assaults against deputies and jail staff by inmates. Sheriff officials revealed that since March 29, at least seven staff members have sustained injuries, with two of them being severe.

Calls for Action Amidst Staff Shortages

The San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (SFDSA) has urged Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, Mayor London Breed, and Board of Supervisor President Aaron Peskin to deploy the state’s National Guard to aid in managing the prisons, citing staff shortages.

In a demand letter, SFDSA president Ken Lomba emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing the need for immediate action to address the escalating violence within the San Francisco Jails. The association attributed the rise in violence to staffing shortages, leading to delayed or inadequate responses to violent altercations among inmates.

Escalating Violence and Staffing Crisis

According to SFDSA, incidents of prisoner fights surged in 2023, with at least 240 reported cases, marking a 58% increase from the previous year. Additionally, attacks on inmates by fellow inmates rose by 79% during the same period. These alarming statistics underscore the pressing need for intervention to ensure the safety of both inmates and correctional staff.

The association characterized the staffing shortage as a crisis that has been exacerbating since 2020, posing significant challenges to maintaining order and security within the correctional facilities.

Response and Investigation

In response to the lockdowns, visitations, programs, and services at the jails have been canceled for the duration. Officials reassured that normal operations are expected to resume next week as investigations into the incidents continue.

The San Francisco County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing the underlying factors contributing to the assaults to prevent future occurrences.

Prioritizing Safety in Correctional Facilities

SFDSA reiterated the importance of prioritizing the safety and security of correctional facilities, emphasizing that failure to do so not only jeopardizes the well-being of those incarcerated but also undermines the effectiveness of the entire correctional system.

As the situation unfolds, authorities are under pressure to implement immediate measures to address the staffing crisis and ensure the safety of inmates and staff within San Francisco’s correctional facilities.

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