LOS ANGELES (CBS) — As the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department faces allegations of brutality in its jails, Sheriff Lee Baca is reportedly thinking about shutting down part of the old men’s facility.

Under the plan, approximately 1,800 inmates would be moved out and relocated to a newer facility in the Lynwood Correctional Facility that currently houses female prisoners.

The area in question is considered the most violent part of the jail. It is also the target of a federal investigation into allegations of brutality, including inmate killings and charges of excessive force by guards, KNX 1070′s Jon Baird reports.

The “old” portion of the jail was built in 1963.

“The Men’s Central Jail is an antiquated facility. It has outlived its usefulness,” said Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore.

Before any action can take place, Sheriff Baca must review the plan with the LA County Board of Supervisors.

The Men’s Central jail currently houses 4,500 inmates.