A Georgia state Senate subcommittee has initiated an investigation into the troubled Fulton County Jail following a federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. The jail, located in Atlanta, has faced criticism for its rampant violence, overcrowding, use of excessive force, and unsanitary living conditions. Officials have been quick to blame each other and point to a lack of resources as the primary reasons for the crisis.
New allegations have recently emerged regarding the misuse of funds intended to improve the welfare of inmates. Documents have revealed that hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on unrelated expenses such as gift cards for staff, vehicles, lunches, and even jugglers for a community event. Furthermore, the commissioners rescinded $2.1 million that had been previously allocated for an inmate health initiative.
Georgia lawmakers are now focusing on various aspects, including jail conditions, funding, management, and the court system. Randy Robertson, the chair of the subcommittee, stated the intention to address these pressing issues.
In the first hearing held this week, Amelia Joiner, the chief counsel to Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat, revealed shocking statistics of violence and unrest within the jail. So far this year, there have been nearly 300 stabbings, 68 assaults on staff, over 1,000 confiscated shanks, four instances of inciting riots, 10 deaths, and one fire. In addition to these incidents, there have been numerous reports of unsanitary conditions, crumbling walls, and flooding inside the units.
Fulton County Jail has become the center of the mass incarceration debate in America due to its chronically hazardous conditions and heavy reliance on detainment. The United States currently holds 2 million people in its jails and prisons, ranking among the highest worldwide in terms of incarceration rates.
Emily Galvin-Almanza, the co-founder and executive director of Partners for Justice, emphasized that addressing the root causes of crime, such as providing shelter, food, and access to mental health and substance abuse care, is key to ensuring safety.
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that its investigation into Fulton County Jail is ongoing. The agency also disclosed that it has 11 other investigations open into adult jails and prisons across the nation.
As the revelations about the misuse of funds continue to surface, experts argue that officials have failed to address the underlying issues plaguing the jail system in metro Atlanta. Despite receiving additional funding and launching new programs, the crisis persists.
Before LaShawn Thompson’s tragic death due to neglect by jail staff, millions of dollars were allocated to an Inmate Welfare Fund. This fund was intended to benefit the safety, education, and general well-being of inmates. However, documents obtained by USA TODAY revealed that a significant portion of the fund was spent on unrelated expenses, including conferences, vehicle purchases, and gift cards for staff.
Natalie Ammons, a spokesperson for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, acknowledged that some expenditures were inappropriately charged to the fund. She stated that corrective actions have been taken, including the termination of the financial administrator and changes to procedures. Ammons also mentioned that the fund had passed yearly audits, both internal and external.
Recently, the Board of Commissioners voted to rescind $2.1 million allocated for Talitrix wristbands, which were meant to track inmates’ health. The sheriff believed that this technology would enhance safety and well-being within the jails. However, delays in implementing the technology led to questions about the funding and its allocation. As of now, only 41 wristbands are in use.
Concerns were raised by Vice Chair Bob Ellis regarding political contributions made by Talitrix and related entities to the sheriff, as well as previous contracts between Talitrix and Labat. The company, however, did not respond to requests for comment.
Ashley Payne, the southern regional program director at Partners for Justice, argued that funds used for technologies like Talitrix could be better spent on public defenders and social services. She raised concerns about the privacy of the data collected by these devices.
Fulton County Jail has seen the tragic deaths of ten individuals this year alone. LaShawn Thompson, who spent three months in the jail’s psychiatric wing, died under severe neglect. He was covered in bedbugs, dehydrated, and malnourished. Other deaths have also occurred, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
Jails were designed to be short-term facilities, detaining individuals until their trial or for short sentences. This means that the majority of people in jails are legally innocent. However, Reuters reported that between 2008 and 2019, over 7,500 people died in more than 500 U.S. jails. Many of those who died were never convicted of the charges for which they were being held. Illness, suicide, and drug-related issues were among the leading causes of death.
Fulton County Jail has faced criticism for holding individuals for months without a trial. While some blame the District Attorney’s Office and the judicial system for delays in processing cases, officials refute these claims. Indictments require a collection of evidence, including from the understaffed state crime lab.
The average length of detention in Fulton County Jail was reported to be 62 days in September, far exceeding the goal of 30 days. Data from the U.S. Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Data Collaborative for Justice supports the notion that jail stays have been increasing over the years.
Overall, the investigations into Fulton County Jail and the revelations about the misuse of funds highlight the urgent need for reform within the justice system. Addressing issues such as jail conditions, funding, and court processes will be crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals.
