Court Order Directing The California Department of Corrections And Rehabilitation To Continue To Reform Use Of Force Against Mentally Ill Inmates

On April 10, 2014, the federal judge overseeing California's efforts to reform how the prison system handles inmates with mental illness ordered the state to continuing reforming how it uses force (and pepper spray) and solitary confinement. U.S. District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton said the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has made progress in reforming its policies on use of force since May 2013, but not enough to be released from court oversight. During the next 60 days, CDCR must develop a plan to avoid placing inmates with mental illness in administrative segregation units . . .