Inmate movement is currently restricted and privileges are suspended indefinitely, at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange, after a recent disturbance.  Thanks to the immediate response by Deputies, the situation was brought under control quickly and order was restored.  Jail staff and volunteers were uninjured. Two of the inmates involved suffered only minor injuries and received medical treatment. 

The Orange County Jails remain one of the safest mega-jails in the country. The safety of our inmates and staff remains our highest priority. Therefore, we evaluate our operations continuously to ensure a safe environment. Occasionally, staff must restrict all movement within a facility or facilities until such a time that it is deemed safe to return to normal operations. In such instances, inmates will be precluded from the commissary, church services, educational programs, showers and dayrooms. When necessary, visiting hours may also be interrupted. 

A lockdown does not limit court appearances, official visits from attorneys and bail bond agents, or law enforcement agencies. Inmates also continue to receive medication and medical treatment, when necessary. 

In February 2006, when race riots broke out in the Los Angeles County Jails, more than a hundred inmates were injured, many critically, and two were killed. At that time, inmate movement within the Orange County Jails was restricted to ensure that similar incidents did not occur within our facilities. The steps we took to maintain the safety of our inmates and staff were successful. 

We continue to evaluate our operation on a day to day basis and will return to normal operations as soon as it is prudent. 

Our jails remain safe because of the professionalism and dedication of our staff and their ability to proactively alter our operation whenever it becomes necessary. 

We will continue to provide media updates as needed.