PR03-012

Date:

April 15, 2003

 
Sheriff Barrett Responds To Concerns of Safety at Fulton County Jail
 

The local media has recently focused on issues of safety at the Fulton County Jail. Like all departments in Fulton County Government, the Sheriff's Office was subject to budget cuts in the FY 2003 budget cycle. The budget cuts forced the layoff of 37 part-time employees at the Jail and the freezing of 11 full-time positions at the Jail. As a result, jail staff has been re-deployed to fill security and support positions. In the midst of, but not directly because of these budget cuts, two significant events occurred:

• On March 2nd, three Deputy Sheriffs were assaulted by inmates. One officer suffered a concussion and is the only one of the three who has not returned to work as of this date.

(Copies of the tape and case synopsis are available through our PIO)

• On March 26th, I petitioned the Court to return inmate Jamil Al-Amin to state custody because of concerns that he was involved in an escape attempt and, although we could safely secure him, I felt that a maximum security prison could better manage him while he appeals his case.

It is not my intention to have this recent attention cast doubt on the operations of the Fulton County Jail. In January of this year, we received national accreditation from the American Correctional Association. Out of a possible 100 points, our facility, facility operation, and staff training received a score of 96. We passed all of the mandatory standards involving life, health, and safety operations. This independent, professional review of our Jail should assure all concerned that we work in accordance with the highest standards set by our profession.

As yet, I have not concluded my investigation into the events surrounding the escape attempt. That should occur within the next two weeks, and discipline, if needed, will be imposed in accordance with Fulton County Personnel guidelines.

For more information, please contact Sergeant Clarence Huber at (404) 730-4148. Sergeant Huber can also be reached on his digital pager at (404) 742-6798.