The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division have announced a proposed consent decree to address violations at the Fulton County Jail. The agreement aims to resolve findings that conditions at the jail violate several constitutional amendments and federal laws, including the 8th and 14th Amendments, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Our report from an investigation of Fulton County and the Fulton County Jail concluded that the Constitutional rights of incarcerated persons are being violated.” He emphasized that the consent decree is intended to rectify "the grievous pattern of inhumane – and frequently violent – treatment" at the facility.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland described this development as a crucial step towards correcting long-standing issues within the jail. “When the Department announced findings from our investigation... we called on the County and Sheriff’s Office to remedy... unsanitary living conditions, brutal physical attacks, and other dangerous issues,” he said.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke highlighted serious violations found during their investigation, stating, “Detention in the Fulton County Jail amounted to a death sentence for dozens of people.” She noted that if fully implemented, the decree could significantly improve conditions by reducing violence and unnecessary force while enhancing medical care.
The proposed consent decree includes several remedial measures such as improving supervision, maintaining facilities, protecting those at risk of suicide, providing adequate health care, stopping unnecessary isolation practices, and ensuring special education services for children with disabilities.
An independent monitor will oversee compliance with these requirements. Public reports on progress will be issued every six months.
The investigation began in July 2023 under multiple federal statutes designed to protect institutionalized persons' rights. The case is managed by Aileen Bell Hughes along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebeca Ojeda and Rahul Garabadu.
For more information or inquiries about this case, contact details for further communication are provided by the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office.