“Undercover overseer tasked with reforming county jail system”
ATLANTA (AP) — A seasoned corrections expert has been appointed as the lead monitor by a federal judge to supervise a consent decree aimed at improving hazardous and unsanitary jail conditions in Georgia’s most populated county. U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May named Kathleen Kenney to this role following a joint request from the U.S. Department of Justice, Fulton County, and Sheriff Pat Labat as part of the consent decree process.
The Justice Department initiated a civil rights investigation in July 2023 into the jail conditions in Fulton County, highlighting instances of violence, squalid living spaces, and the disturbing in-custody death of a man whose body was discovered covered in insects. The investigation revealed that jail officials had failed to safeguard detainees from violence, used excessive force, and subjected them to unconstitutional and illegal conditions.
In a recent development, the Justice Department and Fulton County officials announced the implementation of a court-enforceable consent decree. This decree mandates the appointment of an independent monitor, in this case, Kenney, for an initial period of two years to oversee the jail’s compliance with the requirements and submit public reports every six months. While there is no specified timeline, the agreement states that it will terminate once the county achieves and maintains compliance with the stipulations for a year.
Kenney, known for her extensive experience in corrections, has been serving on a panel overseeing the use of force in Los Angeles County jail facilities since April 2022 as part of a court-approved settlement. Previously, she worked with a criminal justice consulting firm and held the position of interim commissioner at the Kentucky Department of Corrections. With a background of 25 years at the federal Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice, including a significant tenure as assistant director/general director for the Bureau of Prisons, Kenney brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role.
Robb Pitts, Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, hailed Kenney’s appointment as a crucial step in enforcing the consent decree, emphasizing the committee’s dedication to collaborating with federal authorities and the sheriff’s office to swiftly improve jail conditions. Sheriff Labat also expressed satisfaction with Kenney’s appointment and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance jail conditions, recruit and retain qualified staff, and enhance accountability through advanced training.
Fulton County’s main jail in Atlanta has long endured challenges, as outlined in the Justice Department’s investigation report, which depicted a dire situation of violence, including stabbings, sexual assaults, and fatalities. The report underscored that specific vulnerable groups, such as LGBTQ individuals, young detainees, and those with severe mental health conditions, were at heightened risk of harm, resulting in physical injuries and enduring trauma. The report also highlighted inadequate training for jail officers regarding the use of force and a prevalent pattern of excessive force utilization.
The report highlighted the presence of “systemic neglect and deliberate indifference” towards individuals in county custody in Fulton County. Investigators discovered that those detained in Fulton County lacked sufficient medical and mental health services, which constitutes a violation of their constitutional rights. This deficiency exposes them to various risks such as injury, severe illness, pain, mental health deterioration, and even death.
