CA- Excessive-force allegations at Coalinga hospital probed

5-19-2009 California:

Coalinga State Hospital scuffle prompts patient accusations.

Coalinga State Hospital is investigating allegations that public safety officers used excessive force on a patient during a scuffle last week.

A spokeswoman for the hospital for sex offenders said the altercation Thursday began when a patient being escorted by staff to his room became agitated, prompting public safety officers to intervene and restrain him.

Three other patients also became involved in the ruckus, said Nancy Kincaid, spokeswoman for the state Department of Mental Health, which operates the hospital. However, another patient said the resident was wrestled to the ground by an unprovoked officer.

Patient Robert Washburn said he did not witness the incident but was told by an eyewitness that an officer tackled the patient for no reason.

"A guy yelled out, 'You can't do this,' and they pepper-sprayed him," Washburn said.

Kincaid confirmed that pepper spray was used on the patients involved in the incident, but she denied the allegation that an unprovoked officer initiated the scuffle.

Hospital officials are investigating the incident, which is routine, Kincaid said.

"If someone is complaining that they were abused or handled improperly when officers stepped in, then the whole incident is investigated," she said.

Patient Irving Spencer said the incident was discussed during a meeting Monday afternoon involving patient representatives, the hospital's acting executive director, Pam Ahlin, and other officials.

Spencer said that Ahlin indicated she would look into the excessive-force allegation and report her findings to the patient representatives.

The state Department of Mental Health houses sexually violent predators in Coalinga after they finish their prison sentences under a procedure called civil commitment, in which offenders can be held indefinitely after their sentences end if they're still considered a threat.

About 800 patients are housed at the Coalinga hospital, Kincaid said. ..News Source.. by Eddie Jimenez / The Fresno Bee