The U.S. Department of Justice has announced concerning findings about the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (the Jail) located in Columbia, South Carolina.
The findings reveal that the facility’s conditions violate both the Eighth and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
The Department conducted a thorough investigation into the Jail, which currently holds around 965 individuals.
This detention center is operated by Richland County, and the Justice Department’s report details significant concerns about the safety and treatment of detainees.
Safety Failures and Inadequate Protection for Incarcerated People
The Justice Department’s investigation found that the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center fails to provide reasonable safety for those incarcerated there.
Specifically, it discovered that detainees are subjected to serious harm and death from physical violence, including assaults with weapons, group assaults on single victims, and sexual assaults.
This lack of protection violates the constitutional rights of individuals, many of whom are still awaiting trial and have not been convicted of a crime.
The Impact of Dangerous Conditions on Detainees
According to Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, who heads the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the conditions at the Jail are unacceptable.
“Incarceration in our nation’s jails should not expose a person to severe and pervasive violence,” Clarke stated.
She emphasized that detainees awaiting trial have the right to be free from violence, threats, and sexual assault.
The department is calling on Richland County and the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center to address these issues and work toward implementing the necessary reforms.
Violent Incidents and Systemic Issues
The findings also highlight that systemic issues within the Jail contribute to the violent environment.
In 2023 alone, there were at least 60 stabbings reported within the facility.
Gangs are able to exploit detainees, and contraband such as weapons, drugs, and cell phones facilitate gang control and violence.
Inadequate staffing and poor facility conditions, including security lapses and a failure to properly supervise prisoners, have contributed to the ongoing issue.
The report makes clear that the leadership at the Jail is aware of these problems, which are far below constitutional standards.
Investigations and Legal Actions Moving Forward
The Justice Department’s investigation of the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center was conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA).
This act empowers the Attorney General to pursue legal action against facilities that demonstrate patterns of unlawful conduct.
The department has informed both Richland County and the Jail of its findings and has outlined the steps needed to correct the violations.
While the department hopes for a cooperative solution, it is prepared to take legal action if necessary.
Ongoing Commitment to Addressing Unconstitutional Conditions Nationwide
This investigation is part of the Justice Department’s broader efforts to address unconstitutional conditions in correctional and juvenile justice facilities across the country.
The Civil Rights Division has initiated new investigations into facilities in states like Tennessee, California, and South Carolina, and has issued findings related to Mississippi prisons, Texas juvenile justice facilities, and Georgia’s Department of Corrections.
The division continues to prioritize the protection of civil rights in the justice system and to work toward systemic reforms across the country.
For more information on the findings or to report violations related to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, individuals can visit the Civil Rights Division’s website or contact the department directly through the provided channels.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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