Monica Montgomery Steppe proposes law enforcement, juvenile detention reforms

San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe announced several proposals Monday intended to increase transparency and accountability among law enforcement while protecting the rights of those in custody.

Montgomery Steppe, the Board of Supervisors’ vice chair, will bring the proposals in front of the board Tuesday morning.

Among them are:

• phasing out the use of all chemical agents, including OC (oleoresin capsicum), or pepper spray, in youth detention centers
• de-emphasizing the use of room/solitary confinement in youth facilities
• requiring trauma-informed de-escalation training for all probation officers working with youth
• updates to expanding the investigatory authority of the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board

“No one should face a de facto death sentence while awaiting trial. No one should be subjected to abuse in a jail cell and no one should fear for their life during a traffic stop. These are not radical beliefs.”

The supervisor said she was spurred by ongoing investigations that have “highlighted systemic concerns within county detention facilities, including the excessive use of chemical agents on youth, limited investigatory authority in cases of in-custody deaths, and an overall lack of meaningful public oversight,” a statement from her office read.

The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board is restricted to sworn police officers, and Montgomery Steppe said that allows many with positions of power to be relatively unaccountable for their actions.

She also emphasized that these proposals, and her term in office, will be geared toward other solutions to crime other than incarceration, including social solutions, diversionary programs and more.

City News Service contributed to this article.