Last month, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office announced its plan to resume visitations on Sept. 8 following reporting by Shasta Scout that documented the monthslong suspension. Today, jail staff confirmed visitations have reopened.
Shasta’s jail has consistently passed most aspects of state inspections amid a worrying level of deaths. A close look at the state’s standards — and the California board responsible for examining deaths in jails — shows key gaps in oversight.
The announcement was made after Shasta Scout reported on the suspended visitations earlier this month. Visitations have been paused since last September, reportedly due to construction.
James ‘Little Man’ Wright disappeared in 1988 at just 19 years old. This week, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office identified his remains, allowing his family and Tribal community to arrange for a dignified burial.
In-person visitations at the death-ridden jail have reportedly been suspended due to a construction project. Visits have been shown to reduce recidivism rates, increase safety for incarcerated individuals and correctional officers and safeguard the mental health of those behind bars and their families.
The raid of the Anderson man’s home made headlines, drawing attention to Kamfolt’s “underground bunker,” alleged cache of firearms, and his friendship with Supervisor Kevin Crye. Six months later, the Shasta County District Attorney’s office said it’s reviewing Kamfolt's case.
Just months after the sheriff's office expanded the county’s network of ALPR cameras, two local elected officials are calling for them to be removed. The change of heart comes amid growing statewide scrutiny of the company’s data-sharing practices and local community concern over privacy and surveillance.
Two dozen people have died while incarcerated at the Shasta County Jail over the last six years. A review of postmortem investigations indicates more intensive monitoring of high-risk individuals could prevent deaths.
In an announcement today, the city said three police captains will rotate through chief responsibilities this summer until an interim chief takes over in August. The mayor said a new police chief may start in September or October.
Chief Brian Barner will finish his 34-year career with the Redding Police Department today. The city has initiated a process to recruit the next police chief, City Manager William Tarbox said, with interviews likely starting in July.
