In an effort to reform the practices at San Diego County’s juvenile detention facilities, Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe is proposing a significant policy shift that could phase out the use of pepper spray, commonly known as OC spray, in these facilities. Her proposal is in response to a series of troubling reports about the excessive use of force, including pepper spray, on youth in custody—especially those with mental health issues or developmental disabilities.
A Call for Change: Montgomery Steppe’s Proposal
Montgomery Steppe has requested her colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to support the creation of a subcommittee that would focus on analyzing, planning, and addressing concerns regarding the treatment of youths in detention, with a particular emphasis on reducing the use of OC spray. The subcommittee would also examine the broader practices in youth detention facilities, focusing on improving conditions and oversight.
Pepper spray, which contains oleoresin capsicum (derived from chili peppers), has long been a controversial tool in juvenile facilities. While it is commonly used by law enforcement agencies, its application in juvenile detention centers has faced significant scrutiny. Many other states and several California counties have already banned its use due to its harmful physical effects, particularly on vulnerable youth populations.
Attorney General’s Investigation and Montgomery Steppe’s Response
Montgomery Steppe’s proposal comes after a 2024 investigation by California Attorney General Rob Bonta into allegations of civil rights abuses within San Diego’s juvenile detention facilities. Bonta did not specify the exact reasons for the investigation, but Montgomery Steppe pointed to recent reports from oversight organizations that highlighted troubling patterns of excessive force and inadequate de-escalation techniques by probation officers.
The Vice Chair’s letter to her fellow supervisors also revealed ongoing concerns within the Probation Department. Although the department has contracted with the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators (CJJA) since 2017 to provide training and technical support—including reviews of violent incidents and the use of force—the Board of Supervisors has not been consistently updated on the findings of those reviews or complaints filed against probation officers.
Steps Toward Reform: The Proposed Subcommittee and Action Plan
As part of the proposal, Montgomery Steppe is requesting that the county’s Chief Probation Officer, Tamika Nelson, present a detailed plan within 60 days to phase out the use of OC spray in favor of promoting de-escalation techniques among staff. She is also seeking to include Supervisors Paloma Aguirre and herself on the subcommittee, which would have access to reports from the CJJA and would work toward addressing the broader issues within the county’s juvenile justice system.
Long-Standing Concerns About Pepper Spray Use
The use of pepper spray has long been a point of contention in San Diego’s juvenile detention facilities. In 2014, a coalition of civil rights organizations, including the Youth Law Center, filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, urging a federal investigation into the routine use of pepper spray by probation officers to quell violent incidents. The groups argued that the practice disproportionately affected youth of color and involved the use of force against vulnerable populations, including those with mental health challenges and suicidal tendencies.
Although the Department of Justice did not open an investigation, the Juvenile Justice Commission, a court-appointed oversight body, has been monitoring the use of pepper spray more closely. Their annual reports have consistently called for a reduction in OC spray incidents and emphasized the need for de-escalation training. In 2019, the Commission noted their frustration with the lack of progress in implementing their recommendations, and in 2023, they again called for a decrease in the number of OC incidents.
Looking Ahead: Juvenile Justice Reform in San Diego
As the proposal to phase out pepper spray and promote alternative de-escalation methods moves forward, the debate over juvenile detention practices in San Diego County is likely to intensify. Advocates hope Montgomery Steppe’s leadership will lead to concrete reforms that prioritize the well-being and dignity of detained youth over punitive measures like OC spray.
This move represents the first time a member of the Board of Supervisors has taken a formal stance on improving oversight of the county’s juvenile detention facilities. If the proposal passes, it could set a precedent for other counties and shape the future of juvenile justice reform in California.
Support for Inmates and Families Affected by Prison Violence
If you or someone you know is a survivor of prison violence, it’s important to take action and seek support. Organizations like Police Brutality Center are dedicated to protecting inmate rights and offering legal assistance can help guide families through the difficult process of seeking justice. Contact Police Brutality Center to learn more about your rights, legal options, and support for . Your voice can help create lasting change.