The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, along with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, has announced a proposed consent decree aimed at addressing conditions at the Fulton County Jail. The agreement seeks to resolve claims that these conditions violate constitutional rights and federal laws.
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 emphasized that the consent decree is intended to tackle issues related to inhumane treatment and unsanitary living conditions faced by inmates.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland remarked on the significance of this step: "This proposed consent decree is a critical step toward correcting the dangerous and dehumanizing conditions that have persisted in the Fulton County Jail for far too long." He noted previous findings regarding unsanitary conditions and violent incidents within the facility.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke highlighted serious violations identified during their investigation: "Detention in the Fulton County Jail amounted to a death sentence for dozens of people who have been murdered or who died as a result of inhumane conditions inside the facility." She explained that if fully implemented, the decree could reduce violence, improve healthcare quality, and enhance education services for children with disabilities.
The consent decree includes measures such as developing safety plans, improving staffing, maintaining facilities, ensuring constitutional standards in force use, protecting vulnerable inmates from self-harm, and providing adequate medical care. An independent monitor will oversee compliance with these requirements.
The United States began investigating Fulton County Jail in July 2023 under several federal statutes designed to protect institutionalized persons' rights. These efforts led to written notices being sent to local authorities outlining necessary remedial actions.
The case involves Deputy Chief Aileen Bell Hughes and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebeca Ojeda and Rahul Garabadu from Georgia's Northern District. Further inquiries can be directed to their Public Affairs Office via email or phone.