A representative from the Los Angeles Men's Central Jail has confirmed the county is considering a measure which would allow for a portion of the facility to be demolished.

The LA County board of supervisors has approved a study which would analyze the pros and cons of the demo.  If approved, the torn-down area would be replaced with an area that would house drug-addicted and mentally ill detainees.  Proponents of the plan say the move could save millions of each year.  This is due to a belief that the newer facilities could better rehabilitate offenders.  The expected cost to renovate or replace the Men's Central Jail is foretasted at nearly $1.5 billion.

At least one of the supervisors has said he is open to spending the money if it will produce results.  He does not want to construct a facility that will warehouse inmates, he said, but will instead rehabilitate offenders and reduce recidivism rates.   It is believed that upward of 70% of the county's detainees are mentally ill or hooked on drugs.  Housing all those people together could allow for more effective treatment.

Some of these individuals need to be housed alone due to safety concerns, he said.   The current method is to place them by themselves in a two-person cell.  A new jail could have one-person cells pre-built.  This would allow for more space to house other inmates.  A consultant will reportedly provide a report to the supervisors later this summer.  The matter will continue to on the table until a final vote is made.