How can we improve mental health conditions in our county jails?
Jeanne Brown | Published on 1/29/2026
Criminal Justice IG Report February 2026
Our January speaker, Assistant Sheriff Dustin Lopez, brought Jesse Johns, Commander of Medical Services Division, to give us information about a new program at the Vista jail that deals with Opioid Use Disorder. It is a voluntary program with early promising results. Unfortunately, when Jesse left, so did Dustin, before we could ask him many of our other questions.
Our group decided to continue to focus this year on our San Diego County Jails with an emphasis on Behavioral Health in the Jails. along with Behavioral Health diversions that would keep more people out of the jail to begin with. With that in mind, our speaker at our February meeting will be someone from our local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). They support families dealing with members with mental health issues, they educate the public and advocate for legislation to improve the mental health system around the country. We hope to learn more about how our work and theirs can coordinate and help those with mental illness avoid incarceration and if incarcerated, how to make their situation better.