San Diego Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe wants to phase out the use of chemical agents at juvenile detention centers.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Changes could be coming to the way officers de-escalate situations inside San Diego youth detention facilities.
San Diego County Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe wants to phase out the use of chemical agents like Oleoresin Capsicum spray, also known as pepper spray, on juveniles in these facilities.
“There is no need for a child to be sprayed with chemical agents,” said Vice Chair Montgomery Steppe during a news conference on Monday.
“I’ve heard numerous reports over multiple years stating that officers do not attempt to de-escalate a fight. Instead, sometimes they wait until the fight has started and then use force, either physical or the use of the OC spray to break up the fight,” she said.
She said she’s heard about situations where juveniles have been pepper-sprayed because they’ve refused to submit to a strip search. She wants it to be phased out over the next two years, and will recommend to the board at Tuesday’s meeting that it direct the chief probation officer to develop a plan within the next 60 days.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, very few states authorize the use of pepper spray on juvenile offenders.
The vice chair also proposes requiring all youth probation officers to go through special de-escalation training. She also wants to de-emphasize solitary confinement for young people.
“If we cannot commit to building systems that support youth development rather than deepen their trauma, then what are we doing?” said Vice Chair Montgomery Steppe.
Her proposals come amid a state investigation into conditions at San Diego Juvenile Halls.
In May, Attorney General Rob Bonta launched a civil rights investigation into San Diego County and the San Diego County Office of Education. According to a press release, “the investigation will seek to determine whether the County has engaged in a pattern or practice of unlawful treatment of youth at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility and Youth Transition Campus in San Diego County and will examine SDCOE’s provision of educational services to youth at these facilities.”
It’s unclear when the investigation will be complete. CBS 8 reached out to AG Bonta’s Office on Monday and will update this story when we hear back.