ATLANTA — A bill aimed at addressing overcrowding in Fulton County’s jail received backing from a Georgia Senate committee on Wednesday, mandating that the city of Atlanta permit the county sheriff to utilize the city jail at the cost of maintenance alone. This legislation is considered a step toward alleviating the conditions highlighted in a federal civil rights investigation, which identified unsanitary and hazardous living situations for detainees, violating their constitutional rights. Recently, Fulton County and Sheriff Pat Labat entered a legally binding agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to enhance conditions in county detention facilities.
Since 2021, the sheriff’s office has reported 32 deaths in custody within Fulton County, including two that occurred at the city jail, which is already accommodating around 350 inmates under an agreement with the city, with the potential for up to 700 beds. Fulton County officials have expressed a longstanding interest in acquiring the city-owned jail, arguing that this could help relieve overcrowding and allow for better classification of detainees based on their danger levels. However, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has firmly stated his opposition to such a transfer.
Senator John Albers, a Republican from Roswell and the bill’s sponsor, acknowledged that while he cannot mandate the sale of the jail, his legislation would facilitate a lease to the county at a reasonable price. The bill passed with a 5-2 vote, garnering no support from Democratic members. Critics argue that the state should not meddle in local governance, cautioning that focusing on acquiring more space does not rectify underlying issues of mismanagement and malpractice associated with the county’s jail system. Advocates for criminal justice reform advocate for a reduction in detentions and increased diversion toward mental health and economic assistance programs.
Terrica Redfield Ganzy, the executive director of the Southern Center for Human Rights, pointed out alarming trends in the Department of Justice report, highlighting a culture of neglect leading to violence and disregard for inmate welfare. County Manager Dick Anderson referred to the city jail as an “underutilized asset,” suggesting its use for female inmates and those facing medical or behavioral health issues. Labat appeared to support this notion but emphasized the necessity of increasing staff and recognized that broader issues persist despite potential acquisitions.
“A cultural change is imperative,” the sheriff remarked. Albers expressed a desire for Atlanta and Fulton County to reach an agreement independently, but noted that no productive negotiations had emerged thus far. Senator Sonya Halpern, an opposing Democrat from Atlanta, maintains confidence in the ability of local governance to resolve the matter without state intervention, warning of the precedent set by allowing counties to claim city assets unilaterally.
Albers referenced historical precedents where state involvement in local affairs has occurred, especially in situations involving newly established cities. In response, Jim Thornton of the Georgia Municipal Association strongly argued against state meddling in the jail’s administration. Labat, who began his term in January 2021, has previously advocated for a costly new jail, though the Fulton County Board of Commissioners prefers investing over $300 million in renovations to avoid raising property taxes.
The Justice Department report criticized ongoing issues, highlighted by the death of Lashawn Thompson in 2022, whose body was discovered in a cell overrun with bedbugs. The report detailed how staff were aware of the infestation yet did not take action, and noted Thompson’s missed prescriptions, leading to significant weight loss during his jail stay.
Currently, there are fewer than 2,500 detainees housed in Fulton County, with approximately 1,600 at the main facility and the remainder in other locations. The statistics reveal that 16% of inmates currently face unindicted cases, a decrease from 34% observed in May 2023.
