Federal investigation into Fulton County Jail
A Georgia inmate who was found unresponsive in a medical unit cell at a jail currently under federal investigation later died at an area hospital, authorities said Saturday. Medical personnel resuscitated Christopher Smith, 34, after a detention officer at the Fulton County Jail found him Thursday. He was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead at about 5:30 a.m. Friday, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
The county’s Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine a cause of death, authorities said. Smith had been in custody since Oct. 6, 2019. He was being held without bond on several unspecified felony and misdemeanor charges, the sheriff’s office said.
The U.S. Department of Justice opened an investigation of the jail, citing LaShawn Thompson’s September 2022 death as one of dozens in the facility during the past few years. Thompson, 35, died in a bedbug-infested cell in the jail’s psychiatric wing, drawing national public attention. The county reached a settlement with Thompson’s family earlier this month. So far this year, five people have died in Fulton County custody.
Jail conditions and inmate rights
The federal probe into Fulton County Jail will examine whether there is a pattern or practice of constitutional violations against incarcerated people, such as living conditions, access to medical care and mental health care, use of excessive force by staff, and conditions that may give rise to violence between people incarcerated at the facility. The investigation will also look into whether the jail discriminates against incarcerated people with psychiatric conditions.
The Justice Department said it will seek to ensure that the jail provides adequate and timely medical and mental health care to all people in its custody; protects them from harm by staff and other incarcerated people; provides safe and sanitary living conditions; and respects their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The investigation is part of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section, which enforces the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) and other statutes that protect the rights of people confined in state or local government-run facilities.
County response and jail reforms
Fulton County officials have said they are cooperating with the federal investigation and have taken steps to improve the jail conditions and inmate care. In April, as part of the reaction to Thompson’s death, county commissioners approved $5.3 million in extra jail funding for inmate health tracking, cameras and other upgrades. The county also hired a new jail director, Mark Adger, who has pledged to make changes and address the issues raised by the Justice Department.
Adger said he is working on reducing overcrowding, increasing staffing levels, enhancing training programs, implementing new policies and procedures, improving communication and accountability, and upgrading facilities and equipment. He also said he is committed to ensuring that inmates receive appropriate medical and mental health care, and that their constitutional rights are respected.
Adger said he welcomes the federal investigation as an opportunity to collaborate with the Justice Department and receive guidance and feedback on how to improve the jail operations4. He said he hopes that the investigation will result in a positive outcome for both the county and the inmates.
