Groups seek probe into pepper spray use

SAN DIEGO (AP) — California civil rights organizations filed a complaint Monday with the Justice Department asking for a federal investigation into the use of pepper spray in San Diego County’s juvenile detention facilities.

Pepper spray use is rampant against youth offenders, including those at risk of suicide or self-harm, according to the complaint jointly filed by San Francisco-based Youth Law Center, California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. and a San Diego-area coalition of community organizations, including the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association.