Sacramento County reviews jail population reduction strategies amid Maze consent decree compliance

Public safety took center stage at the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 13, 2025, as officials discussed critical updates on the county's jail population and compliance with the Maze consent decree. Eric Jones, Deputy County Executive of the Public Safety and Justice Agency, presented a comprehensive overview of ongoing efforts to reduce the average daily jail population and improve conditions for inmates.

The Maze consent decree, established in 2020, mandates significant reforms across six key areas, including mental health care and the use of restricted housing. Jones highlighted that the county has made substantial progress, achieving compliance with 207 out of 320 provisions, while acknowledging challenges that remain, particularly in areas related to the Americans with Disabilities Act and mental health services.

A major focus of the meeting was the county's jail population reduction plan, which aims to decrease the average daily population by nearly 600 inmates. This target, informed by a 2022 study from O'Connell Research, is now viewed as increasingly unrealistic due to changing circumstances, including the removal of pandemic-related protocols and new mental health diversion laws. Jones emphasized the need for collaboration among various criminal justice partners to effectively implement the recommendations from the study.

The discussion also revealed significant concerns regarding booking times at the main jail, with law enforcement officials reporting that officers often spend hours processing suspects, which detracts from their ability to patrol communities. Mayor Sarah Aquino of Folsom and Commander Brian Lockhart echoed these concerns, urging county officials to streamline the booking process, particularly in light of the increased demands on law enforcement resources.

Sheriff Jim Cooper underscored the necessity for new jail facilities to accommodate the growing population and evolving needs of inmates, particularly those requiring mental health and medical care. He pointed out that the current jail infrastructure, built in 1989, is inadequate for the county's population growth, which has surged by nearly 60% since then.

As the meeting concluded, the board reaffirmed its commitment to addressing these pressing issues, with plans to continue engaging the community and refining strategies for jail population reduction and compliance with the Maze consent decree. The next steps include further evaluations of the jail system and potential capital projects aimed at improving conditions and reducing the inmate population.