DOJ Report Reveals Widespread Violence and Neglect

Department of Justice building exterior with window and plants.

A shocking report reveals widespread violence and neglect at a South Carolina jail, prompting urgent calls for reform.

At a Glance

Justice Department finds constitutional violations at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
Severe understaffing and security lapses lead to rampant violence among inmates.
Majority of detainees await trial and have not been convicted of crimes.
Immediate reforms demanded, including increased staffing and improved security measures.
County begins repairs and procedural overhauls following the investigation.

Constitutional Rights Violated in South Carolina Jail

The U.S. Department of Justice has uncovered alarming conditions at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia, South Carolina, that violate the 8th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The investigation, conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), revealed a disturbing pattern of violence and neglect that puts detainees at risk of severe harm.

DOJ reveals findings on violence at South Carolina jail https://t.co/YGu3t86Tu7

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) January 16, 2025

The Justice Department’s findings paint a grim picture of life inside the Richland County facility. With systemic issues including inadequate staffing, a deteriorating infrastructure, and significant security lapses, the jail has become a breeding ground for violence and criminal activity. In 2023 alone, there were at least 60 reported stabbings, with gangs controlling and preying on vulnerable inmates.

Uncontrolled Violence and Lack of Supervision

The report highlights a severe understaffing problem, with more job openings for guards than current staff. This shortage has led to long periods where entire wings of the jail are left unsupervised, creating a dangerous environment for detainees. The violence at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center is so prevalent that it experiences four times as many assaults as the Miami-Dade jail, despite housing fewer inmates.

“Incarceration in our nation’s jails should not expose a person to severe and pervasive violence like that in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center” – Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division

Compounding the issue, a private company assisting the jail has reportedly hired security personnel with felony convictions, raising serious questions about the vetting process and overall security measures in place. The lack of proper oversight has allowed criminal activities to flourish, with many incidents going unreported or unpunished.

Contraband and Technology Fueling Crime

The investigation uncovered a troubling influx of contraband into the facility, including cellphones that are being used to orchestrate gang beatings and facilitate drug overdoses among inmates. In a particularly alarming incident, jail officials were informed of inmate killings by outsiders through a Facebook Live broadcast, underscoring the severity of the security breaches.

“The conditions inside the Richland County jail are a matter of life and death. Individuals accused of crimes in Richland County should not face a death sentence before they ever see a court room” – U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina

The report also details instances where crime scenes within the jail were cleaned by inmates before proper notification of law enforcement, further compromising the integrity of potential investigations and allowing perpetrators to evade justice.

Urgent Call for Reform

In response to these findings, the Justice Department is demanding immediate improvements at the Richland County jail. Recommendations include ensuring a constant guard presence, implementing more effective grievance procedures, and conducting thorough employee searches to prevent contraband from entering the facility. The Civil Rights Division is actively working to address unconstitutional conditions in correctional facilities across several states.

“Most people in the jail have not been convicted of any crime — they are awaiting hearings or trial dates. They have a right to be free of violence, threats and sexual assault. The Jail has a constitutional duty to protect people in its care from the horrific violations we uncovered here. We hope Richland County and the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center will respond to our findings by working with the Justice Department to implement much-needed reforms.” – Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division

Richland County has reportedly begun repairs and procedural overhauls following the investigation. However, the scale of the problems identified suggests that significant, systemic changes will be necessary to ensure the safety and constitutional rights of all detainees are protected. The Justice Department aims to work cooperatively with Richland County and the jail administration to implement these crucial reforms and prevent further violations of detainees’ rights.