Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith is laying out a new 13-step plan to make sweeping changes to the county's troubled jail system.
Smith presented her recommendations Tuesday to a public safety committee, the Mercury News first reported.
The reforms come in the wake of last year's death of Michael Tyree, a mentally ill inmate allegedly beaten by three jail guards now facing murder charges.
"Mr. Tyree's death was a tragedy," Smith said. "Yes, it did prompt some of these changes."
The proposed changes include boosting access to medical care, new outside oversight, and the appointment of a civilian board.
Paula Canny, an attorney representing Tyree's family, calls the sheriff's plan a step in the right direction.
"Do Michael Tyree's sisters hope that Sheriff Smith will really do something meaningful to stop this? Of course they want reform," Canny said.
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Smith is calling for new hires to have education beyond a high school diploma. In addition, the sheriff want to increase training on the job.
There is no timeline for when the suggestions may go into effect or details on a budget.
