The Justice Department has released findings that the conditions at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia, South Carolina, infringe upon the Eighth and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The report stems from an extensive investigation into the facility, which is managed by Richland County and currently holds around 965 individuals.
The department identified that both the county and the detention center fail to ensure reasonable safety for those incarcerated. Issues highlighted include exposure to severe violence, such as assaults with weapons and sexual assaults among detainees.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division emphasized that "incarceration in our nation’s jails should not expose a person to severe and pervasive violence like that in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center." She noted that many inmates are awaiting trial or hearings and thus have not been convicted of crimes, yet face threats within the facility.
U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for South Carolina remarked on the critical nature of these conditions: “Individuals accused of crimes in Richland County should not face a death sentence before they ever see a courtroom.” Boroughs expressed hope for collaboration with local authorities to implement necessary changes.
The investigation revealed ongoing systemic issues contributing to violence within the jail, including at least 60 stabbings recorded in 2023 alone. Other concerns involve gang activity facilitated by widespread contraband, inadequate staffing, deteriorating infrastructure, and insufficient security measures.
Under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), this investigation empowers federal legal action to address patterns of unlawful conduct. The Justice Department has communicated its findings and proposed remedial actions to Richland County officials and remains open to cooperative efforts for reform.
This investigation was conducted by the Civil Rights Division's Special Litigation Section alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Carolina. It forms part of broader federal efforts addressing unconstitutional conditions across various correctional facilities nationwide.
For further details about ongoing civil rights initiatives or to report violations, individuals can visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section or contact Community.Glenn@usdoj.gov regarding this specific case.