FAC represents investigative journalist Christopher Damien and the New York Times in a Public Records Act lawsuit against Riverside County that seeks the disclosure of records and information related to in-custody deaths at Riverside County jail.
As Damien has reported, an unusual number of inmates died in recent years while in custody at Riverside County jails amid “clear patterns of security lapses, negligence and policy violations.”
During a journalism fellowship at the Times, Damien made two Public Records Act requests to Riverside County for coroner’s reports, investigations, and video footage related to dozens of in-custody deaths. The County took far longer than 45 days to process the requests, and, while it eventually disclosed records about many of the deaths and investigations, as of late 2025, despite correspondence advocating for access by Damien and counsel for the Times, it was continuing to withhold responsive records and information.
The deaths in Riverside County jails in 2022, among other years, were some of the deaths that led the Legislature to pass SB 519 in 2023. SB 519 is modeled on earlier police transparency laws and requires public disclosure of previously secret records related to in-custody deaths at local detention facilities.
Under SB 519, agencies must generally disclose records related to in-custody deaths within 45 days of the request, with some exceptions.
The public has a compelling interest in ensuring that all public agencies fully comply with SB 519.
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