Monterey County Jail inmates launch hunger strike.
More than 150 inmates at the Monterey County Jail are on a hunger strike, officials said, upset over a new policy that limits their supply of soap.
Sheriff's Cmdr. Mike Richards said the strike began Wednesday with one of the jail pods housing about 120 Norteño street gang members.
Richards said two other pods, housing 46 inmates, joined the strike between Thursday and Friday morning. There are more than 1,000 inmates in county jail at this time.
"They've missed some meals," Richards said.
He said the inmates are limited to one bar of soap, one bottle of shampoo and one tube of toothpaste per week. Previously, he said, the inmates were able to purchase four of each per week. Inmates are able to buy these items with money sent to them by family members.
"It was something that fell through the cracks," said Richards, referring to the number of toiletries previously allowed for the inmates. "[The jail staff decided]: 'Wait a minute, there is no need for four bars of soap a week.' "
Inmates are given three choices of soap to purchase — 3.2 ounces of Irish Spring for $1.89, 3.1 ounces of Ivory for $1.09 or 3 ounces of a generic brand for 92 cents.
Richards said the jail staff is not taking away any of the items from the inmates, except limiting the quantity they are able to buy each week.
In the past, he said, inmates have stuffed several bars of soap in socks to use as a weapon. Richards said inmates also have soaped floors to cause jail deputies to slip. Inmates also use bars of soap to hide drugs, he said. Deputies found about 40 bars of soap during a recent search of an inmate's cell.
Family members of inmates called on Friday, voicing concerns over the new policy they say violates the privileges of those in custody.
More than 150 inmates at the Monterey County Jail are on a hunger strike, officials said, upset over a new policy that limits their supply of soap.
Sheriff's Cmdr. Mike Richards said the strike began Wednesday with one of the jail pods housing about 120 Norteño street gang members.
Richards said two other pods, housing 46 inmates, joined the strike between Thursday and Friday morning. There are more than 1,000 inmates in county jail at this time.
"They've missed some meals," Richards said.
He said the inmates are limited to one bar of soap, one bottle of shampoo and one tube of toothpaste per week. Previously, he said, the inmates were able to purchase four of each per week. Inmates are able to buy these items with money sent to them by family members.
"It was something that fell through the cracks," said Richards, referring to the number of toiletries previously allowed for the inmates. "[The jail staff decided]: 'Wait a minute, there is no need for four bars of soap a week.' "
Inmates are given three choices of soap to purchase — 3.2 ounces of Irish Spring for $1.89, 3.1 ounces of Ivory for $1.09 or 3 ounces of a generic brand for 92 cents.
Richards said the jail staff is not taking away any of the items from the inmates, except limiting the quantity they are able to buy each week.
In the past, he said, inmates have stuffed several bars of soap in socks to use as a weapon. Richards said inmates also have soaped floors to cause jail deputies to slip. Inmates also use bars of soap to hide drugs, he said. Deputies found about 40 bars of soap during a recent search of an inmate's cell.
Family members of inmates called on Friday, voicing concerns over the new policy they say violates the privileges of those in custody.
