The U.S. Department of Justice has announced the initiation of civil rights investigations into the jails of Charleston and Richland Counties in South Carolina. The investigations come in response to the deaths of several inmates and allegations of inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care within the detention centers.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, representing the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, unveiled the investigations during a press conference on Thursday. She emphasized the importance of upholding the constitutional rights of incarcerated individuals, stating, "People confined in local jails across our country do not abandon their civil and constitutional rights at the jailhouse door."

The probe will focus on two key facilities: the Al Cannon Detention Center and the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. At the Al Cannon Detention Center, the investigation will examine access to medical and mental health care, the use of solitary confinement, and the use of force by staff. Clarke also expressed concerns over potential discrimination against incarcerated individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

In relation to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, the investigation will center on allegations of failure to protect incarcerated individuals from violence and dangerous living conditions. Clarke highlighted two cases involving inmate deaths: Jamal Sutherland, who died after being tased, pepper-sprayed, and placed in a restraint chair, and DeAngelo Brown, a mentally ill individual who died following neglectful medical care. These incidents underscore the urgency of the investigations.

Since 2022, there have been a total of eight deaths at the Al Cannon Detention Center and six known deaths at the Richland County Detention Center since February of the same year.

Sheriff Kristin Graziano of Charleston County released a statement in response to the DOJ investigation, reiterating her commitment to transparency and offering to cooperate with the authorities. Earlier, members of the Charleston County Council had requested the investigation, but Sheriff Graziano defended her employees and asserted that the facility provides assistance for mental health concerns.

U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, who previously toured the Charleston County Detention Center and was among the lawmakers who contacted the Department of Justice, welcomed the investigations, stating the need for transparency, accountability, and necessary reforms in the justice system.

The Justice Department has informed officials from Charleston and Richland Counties about the investigations, and both counties have pledged their cooperation. While a specific timeline for the investigations has not been provided, the Justice Department has assured that any violations discovered will be made public.

Individuals with relevant information pertaining to the Al Cannon Detention Center can contact the Justice Department at 888-473-4059 or Community.Cannon@usdoj.gov. For the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, they can reach out at 888-473-3201 or Community.Glenn@usdoj.gov.