San Bernardino County sheriff voices concern over staff reduction at Patton State Hospital

Sheriff Shannon Dicus penned a letter to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation regarding concerns over security staff reductions at Patton State Hospital in Highland.

The California Department of State Hospitals operates Patton, which serves a large population of inmates who are incompetent to stand trial, not guilty by reason of insanity, sexually violent predators, and offenders with severe mental health disorders, sheriff’s officials stated.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's specific concern to CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber is the reduction of perimeter patrols at Patton located on Highland Avenue, north of Interstate 210. 

In the letter, Discus references former Patton resident Robert Elvis Sparks, who was charged with the attempted murder of Hesperia Sheriff’s Deputy Dustin Whitson and other deputies in March 2021, which the Daily Press reported.

The shooting event outlines the safety concerns of some of subjects housed at Patton, Discus argued.

According to the department of state hospitals, 76% of its 1,150 population is either guilty by reason of insanity or incompetent to stand trial. 

Dicus also highlighted the potential impacts of these law enforcement reductions on public safety in the surrounding communities, including San Bernardino and Highland.

Throughout California's prison system, Patton has the highest bed capacity totaling 1,527.

The department of corrections is responsible for the transportation of inmates as well as securing the outer perimeter of Patton. The patrols ensure the safety and security of the immediate area and prevent unauthorized departures of individuals from Patton into the community, the sheriff’s department said. 

Reduction of correctional officers

Earlier this month, CDCR notified local community stakeholders of their plan, effective on July 3, to reduce the number of correctional officers from 71 peace officers to 44 to create operational efficiencies.

A response from Macomber acknowledges the concerns of local stakeholders but does not believe that staffing changes will impact security levels at the facility. 

“It is important to note these staffing adjustments specifically pertain to CDCR officers and do not impact the police department within Patton State Hospital,” Macomber said. “The police department, consisting of 90 sworn peace officers, will remain intact and continue to fulfill its vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the hospital premises.”

Community stakeholders have also written letters, including county Chairwoman Dawn Rowe, whose district includes Patton and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

In a letter from Yuhaaviatam Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena, she said the “highest priority of our Tribe is to provide for the safety and security of our residents, guests, and customers at the San Manuel Indian Reservation. 

The Reservation’s proximity to Patton has always been a concern given the numerous patient escapes over the years, 478 from 1976-1982 alone, Valbuena said. 

The recent escape attempt by two Patton patients on May 10, demonstrates the ongoing need for a full staff of peace officers, she said. 

“This incident constitutes persuasive anecdotal evidence that the attempted escape would have been an actual escape if this staffing reduction had been in place in May,” Valbuena said. 

The chairwoman requested that the plans for the reductions be tabled and a fully staffed peace officer division remain at Patton. 

Other letters to the state include those from San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman and the city of Highland. 

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz