Clergy and advocates say county jails limit religious access; commission to seek jail briefing

Several clergy and community advocates told the Independent Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff's Office that religious services and materials in San Mateo County jails remain significantly limited since the pandemic.

Deacon Lauren McCombs, who identified herself as serving at Christ Episcopal Church in Portola Valley and Woodside, told the commission that clergy and chaplains have limited access to inmates and that printed religious materials and small prayer cards are no longer routinely provided. "Not allowing religious services for the incarcerated in our county jails is a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution and their rights of religious freedom," Deacon McCombs said.

Nancy Goodman of Fixing San Mateo County said religious visitors and volunteers can attend only two days a week — Friday and Sunday, two hours each — and must be escorted by a deputy; when staffing is short, volunteers are turned away. She said Bibles now are available only if an inmate requests one through an in-jail tablet system in a group setting, and simple prayer cards are not allowed.

Why it matters: Faith-based visits and printed materials advocates say provide spiritual support and connection for people who are incarcerated. Speakers said limited access can compound isolation and cut off volunteers who used to provide regular contact before the pandemic.

County staff told the commission the availability of services is constrained by staffing and suggested the commission invite Captain Fogarty, who oversees the jails, to a future meeting to describe current policies and staffing impacts. Commissioners asked staff to schedule that briefing.

Ending: Commissioners and staff agreed to consider a jail briefing at a future meeting so the commission can better understand current policy, staffing constraints and whether changes are needed to expand chaplaincy and volunteer access.