Commission to evaluate problem San Jose jail

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) -- The Santa Clara County Sheriff said Monday she welcomes the scrutiny as county leaders announced who will sit on a first-ever blue ribbon commission to evaluate the current jail system.

25 members and one alternate member will be tasked to make recommendations on improving county jail operations in the wake of inmate Michael Tyree’s death last August. Three deputies await trial accused of beating him to death.

“The death of Michael Tyree must mean something,” said Santa Clara County Board Supervisor Michael Tyree. “His death must be a catalyst for a new paradigm as to how our society treats and manages those in custody with mental health challenges."

Of the 96 applicants, those chosen include current and retired judges, mental health experts, inmate rights and community activists as well as a former inmate. Former San Jose Independent Police Auditor LaDoris Cordell will serve as chair.

“The taxpayers of Santa Clara County pay the salaries of the correctional officers and everyone in the sheriff's department,” said Judge Cordell. “For this reason the taxpayers Santa Clara County have a right to know what is happening in our jails."

Among the issues they'll look at include training for correctional officers, services for the mentally ill and civilian oversight over the complaint process.

This online petition calls for the sheriff to be removed from the commission since she's the head of the agency being evaluated. Nearly 350 people have signed it. The sheriff said she had not seen it.

“I haven't been asked to be not on the commission,” Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith. “I think i have a very valuable part and I want to be the voice of the department. If we need to make changes we are going to make changes.”

One woman stood outside the main jail with a sign that read "We want excessive punishment to stop before another death occurs."

Barbara Hansen of PACT or People Acting in Community Together said an independent review is long overdue.

“We are happy about the commission but we think it's too late,” said Hansen. “The death didn't have to happen. We still want it though as late as it is.”

The commission hopes to hold public meetings twice a month vowing to have an open and transparent process. Their goal is to report back in 120 days.