A Justice Department report released on Wednesday revealed that detainees at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in South Carolina are routinely subjected to threats of stabbings, sexual assault, and gang violence due to chronic staffing shortages and systemic security issues. The investigation uncovered a failure by jail staff to protect detainees from assault, resulting in a culture of widespread violence at the facility. The report noted at least 60 stabbings in 2023 at the detention center, with the rate of such assaults matching that of New York City jails.
The report also highlighted other issues such as contraband, crumbling infrastructure, and staff shortages that have contributed to the dangerous conditions at the facility. In interviews with detainees, many described incidents of assault, gang violence, and unchecked contraband leading to overdoses and deaths. The Justice Department warned that if Richland County did not address the conditions within 49 days, they may file a lawsuit for constitutional violations.
The Justice Department recommended updating the staffing plan, controlling contraband, revising detainees’ housing placements based on risk of violence, addressing maintenance issues, and revising how the facility responds to violent incidents. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the constitutional duty to protect individuals in the care of the jail from the horrific violations uncovered in the report. Clarke stated that most individuals in the facility have not been convicted of a crime and deserve to be free from violence, threats, and sexual assault while awaiting hearings or trial dates.
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