Jail commission releases preliminary report

TAMPA -- An independent panel reviewing Hillsborough County's jails released its preliminary report this afternoon, focusing much of its attention on the work left to be done in upcoming months.

The commission, which was created after several highly publicized allegations of inmate abuse at the jails, spent the last two months building an base level of understanding of the jail policies and procedures, including training, hiring and the use of force.

But the commissioners have yet to delve into specifics about the treatment of inmates and the actual implementation of these policies and procedures. The commission will do so before completing the final report, according to the preliminary report. The commissioners plan to speak with jail employees and those involved in the allegations to learn more about what goes on inside the jail before presenting a report that outlines specific recommendations, according to the document.

Shortly after the commission's report was posted online, Sheriff David Gee issued a statement:

Sheriff Gee received a copy of the Independent Review Commission on Jails’ Preliminary Report today, May 9, 2008. He and his staff take the contents of the Preliminary Report very seriously and over the next several weeks will review the commission’s comments and recommendations.

Click here to read the full report (PDF):

-- Abbie VanSickle, Times staff writer