Sheriff Kelly Martinez is asking San Diego County leaders for up to $1 billion to overhaul the county’s aging jail system — a request that comes as the county faces a class-action lawsuit alleging inadequate medical and mental health care, unsafe conditions and a lack of ADA accommodations inside its jails.
The proposal presented to the County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday would replace the Vista County Detention Center and upgrade six other jails across San Diego County. Martinez said the facilities, which average more than 30 years old, are outdated and at risk of failing.
During her presentation, Martinez said it will cost between $720 million and $1 billion to complete the overhaul.
She pointed to how the system was originally designed for a different, more punishment-based policy.
Among the issues Martinez listed were the HVAC system at the San Diego Central Jail, plumbing at the South Bay Detention Facility and the need for a completely new Vista jail.
Jail employees echoed the concerns during public comment.
“What was also great in 2011 was Blockbuster video … and our CCTV systems is headed in that direction,” one sheriff deputy said.
Another sheriff deputy emphasized the focus on rehabilitation efforts.
“The people in our custody, many of whom are working on better choices and a better future, deserve a safe and humane place that supports real change,” they said.
Not everyone supported the request.
“It’s like a building shouldn’t be at the end of its life after 30 years unless you’re not doing anything to maintain it,” one San Diego resident said.
Yusef Miller with the North County Equity and Justice Coalition — an advocate for families whose loved ones have died while in custody — has also criticized conditions in the jail system.
“I am of the opinion and I’m of the minds of thinking that we have too many jails. And if that one is old and falling apart, we don’t need to refurbish it. We need to work on de-carceration,” Miller said.
In the end, the Board of Supervisors agreed to move forward and discuss funding options in February.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.
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