PR04-006

Date:

March 3, 2004

 
Fulton County Sheriff Executes Zero Tolerance Policy
 

Sheriff Jackie Barrett has moved to terminate three high-ranking members of the Sheriff’s Office, and one civilian after two inmates were improperly released from the Fulton County Jail. One inmate was released after a computer operator missed an outstanding warrant to keep an individual in custody. This inmate was charged with shoplifting, and is still at large. Another inmate was released as a result of an employee not adhering to the established release process. This inmate is back in custody after being recovered by the Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Squad.

Said Barrett “I implemented a zero tolerance policy in December, 2003. Zero tolerance means zero tolerance. These mistakes would not have happened had the release policy simply been followed by the officers. This has nothing to do with the recent Grand Jury report that spoke to the problems of understaffing and overcrowding at the jail. This was a breach that will simply not be tolerated. Additional disciplinary action will be taken should I find that other staff members were involved.”

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