Quantcast

Fulton County Jail reaches proposed consent decree over constitutional violations

J. D. Suayan / 4 days ago

Webp wpo2qnr6l3z6xlesk41kxslf70gd
Ryan K. Buchanan U.S. Attorney | US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia

The United States has reached a proposed consent decree with Fulton County to address claims that conditions at the Fulton County Jail violate constitutional and federal laws. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division announced this development, which seeks to resolve findings related to violations of the 8th and 14th Amendments, as well as other federal statutes.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Our report from an investigation of Fulton County and the Fulton County Jail concluded that the Constitutional rights of incarcerated persons are being violated.” He added that the consent decree aims to address "the grievous pattern of inhumane – and frequently violent – treatment" along with unsanitary living conditions at the jail.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland commented on the significance of this agreement, noting it as a critical step toward addressing long-standing issues at the facility. He expressed hope that local officials' agreement to a remedial plan will tackle these "inhumane, unconstitutional conditions."

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke highlighted serious violations identified during their investigation. She said, “Detention in the Fulton County Jail amounted to a death sentence for dozens,” pointing out that if fully implemented, the decree could reduce violence, improve healthcare quality, and enhance educational provisions for incarcerated individuals.

The proposed consent decree outlines several measures including improved supervision, staffing enhancements, maintenance protocols for security equipment, and better medical care provisions. An independent monitor will oversee its implementation and issue public progress reports biannually.

This legal action follows an investigation initiated by U.S. authorities in July 2023 under various federal acts aimed at protecting institutionalized persons’ rights. The case is managed by several officials from Georgia's Northern District.

For more information, contact can be made through the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.

Want to get notified whenever we write about US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia ?

Sign-up Next time we write about US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia, we'll email you a link to the story. You may edit your settings or unsubscribe at any time.

Organizations in this Story

US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia