Medical care is better, use of force against inmates is way down

Just six years ago, it was determined that federal oversight was needed for the Orange County jails.  But a recent report indicates that time may soon be coming to an end.

The jails of today are much different than they jails of the past, according to a statement by the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, who further goes on to describe the facilities as "much improved".

A spokesperson from the department said they're pleased with the findings, pointing out the OCSD is a much different organization today than it was when the initial investigation was launched.

Investigation was launched after an inmate was beaten to death

Federal officials began looking into the county's jail system after a Theo Lacy Jail inmate was beaten to death by his peers.

A closer look, they said, uncovered an environment where deputies were sleeping or watching television while on the job and having inmates administer their own form of jailhouse justice.

Access to medical care was abysmal.

Today, though, many things have changed.   Medical records are being kept electronically which allows medical staff to have access to someone's full medical history while they are in custody.

Other changes, such as the way the department processes inmate grievances, have also been made.   Current complaints are reportedly placed into locked boxes and are only available to supervisory staff.

The OCSD said they'll continue to make additional changes in the weeks and months to come.