SAN DIEGO (KNX) — A transgender woman has sued San Diego County in connection with her detention at downtown San Diego jail last year.
Kristina Frost’s suit, filed Tuesday, alleged she was placed in a “minimally monitored cell” with three men following an unspecified book-and-release charge, during which time at least one of the inmates beat her. Frost said jail staff were aware of her transgender identity, but placed her in a cell with men anyway.
Frost said she awoke later that night to one of the men repeatedly striking her in the head, causing injuries including two jaw fractures. She further alleged jail deputies witnessed the beatings but did not immediately intervene.
According to the complaint, the man was eventually removed from the cell, but Frost claimed she had to wait around 12 additional hours before getting medical care.
KNX 1070 reached out to the San Diego Sheriff's Department to inquire into its policy with regards to detaining transgender arrestees and was pointed to its Manual of Policies and Procedures.
"It is the policy of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department to receive, evaluate, house, and provide secure, safe, and humane custody of all persons, including transgender, intersex, and non-binary which are committed or held for confinement by the Sheriff until their lawful and appropriate release or transfer to another authority," the manual states. "During intake, all inmates who identify as transgender, intersex or non-binary will be asked about their housing and search preferences. Staff shall record these preferences on a Voluntary Gender Identity Statement of Preference (J-350) form."
The department declined to comment on pending litigation.
Related
