The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the initiation of civil investigations into two detention centers in South Carolina, following reports of inmate deaths, assaults, physical conditions, and alleged discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, operated by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office in North Charleston, and the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia will be under scrutiny, according to Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general for the DOJ's Civil Rights Division.

In a statement released on Thursday, Clarke expressed the DOJ's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of individuals held in jails and prisons. The investigations will delve into issues such as access to medical and mental health care, the use of solitary confinement, and the use of force by staff at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. Notably, this facility has been plagued by eight reported deaths since 2022, with two cases drawing significant attention.

One such case involved the death of Jamal Sutherland, a Black man with mental illness, who died in January 2021 after being forcibly removed from his cell for a bond hearing. Sutherland was restrained by sheriff's deputies using pepper spray and a stun gun, ultimately succumbing to complications despite resuscitation attempts. Although the county prosecutor's use of force expert deemed Sutherland's death preventable, no federal civil rights charges were filed against the two deputies, who were subsequently dismissed from their positions.

Another concerning incident occurred in December 2022, with the death of D'Angelo Brown at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. Brown had spent months in isolation within the facility's mental health unit, and medical staff allegedly failed to administer his prescribed psychiatric medications. Brown's condition deteriorated severely, leading to his unconsciousness and subsequent death, which was ruled a homicide by the county coroner.

Meanwhile, the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, under the direction of Richland County, has witnessed six deaths since February of the previous year. Notably, one inmate's death from dehydration was classified as a homicide, while another incarcerated individual fell victim to fellow inmates after cell doors were left unsecured.

Clarke expressed concern over the physical conditions of the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, citing reports of mold and vermin. She emphasized that incarcerated individuals, many of whom are people of color, should not have their civil and constitutional rights neglected. The DOJ contends that each inmate deserves fair treatment, regardless of the alleged crimes they committed.

U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs of the District of South Carolina acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement and corrections personnel, as many detention centers are decentralized and operated by individual counties or sheriffs. Boroughs affirmed the investigation's commitment to facilitating necessary changes that prioritize the safety of detainees. She also mentioned the collaboration with local jurisdictions to address any violations uncovered during the investigation.

It is important to note that the DOJ's investigations do not entail placing the facilities under federal control. Instead, they aim to work alongside local officials to rectify any violations and ensure the secure detainment of inmates.