COUNTYWIDE : Jail Hunger Strike’s Extent Is Disputed

Sheriff’s Department officials are disputing claims that a hunger strike launched this week in the protective custody unit of the Orange County Men’s Jail has extended to the several inmates in the unit.

While the Sheriff’s Department acknowledged that a hunger strike to protest what prisoners say are poor conditions was started Tuesday morning, they said it was limited to one of the nine men in the protective custody unit.

Inmates who contacted the media Wednesday, however, claimed that six men in the unit are taking part. Dick Herman, a Newport Beach lawyer who represents prisoners in the Santa Ana jail facility, said the inmates refused all three meals Tuesday.

Inmates said they have to contend with unsanitary cell conditions and cold food.

The threat of a hunger strike “happens from time to time. Inmates call the media to put the pressure on,” said Lt. Richard Olson, a spokesman for the department.

Jail officials said that their policy is to quickly respond to inmate concerns and that they are investigating the complaints.

“Our policy is to meet state standards,” said Rocky Hewitt, an assistant sheriff who oversees the Central Jail. “If we find a problem, we are going to correct it.”