Ryan K. Buchanan U.S. Attorney | US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia
The United States has reached a proposed consent decree to address conditions at the Fulton County Jail, which allegedly violate the 8th and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, as well as federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division announced that a complaint and proposed consent decree were filed in federal court against Fulton County and its Sheriff.
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 added that the consent decree aims to correct "the grievous pattern of inhumane – and frequently violent – treatment" along with unsanitary living conditions at the jail.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized that this step is crucial for addressing longstanding issues within the facility: "When the Department announced findings from our investigation...we called on the County and Sheriff’s Office to remedy the troubling pattern." Garland noted that local officials have agreed to start addressing these concerns.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke highlighted serious violations found during their investigation: "Detention in the Fulton County Jail amounted to a death sentence for dozens of people who have been murdered or who died as a result of inhumane conditions inside." She explained that if implemented fully, "this consent decree...should reduce violence and unnecessary force; increase quality medical and mental health care; reduce use of unnecessary isolation."
The proposed consent decree includes measures such as improving supervision, maintaining facilities, protecting vulnerable inmates, providing adequate healthcare, and ensuring special education services for children with disabilities. An independent monitor will oversee compliance with these requirements, issuing public reports every six months.
The United States began investigating conditions at Fulton County Jail in July 2023 under several statutes aimed at preventing unlawful conduct by law enforcement officers. The case involves multiple legal representatives from Georgia's Northern District.
For further details or inquiries, contact information is available through the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office.
