Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat, in a statement ahead of his swearing-in for a second term, addressed the damning Department of Justice (DOJ) report, which paints a grim picture of the conditions at Fulton County Jail. Labat noted that while the DOJ's report did not extend to recommending a new jail, it emphasized the negative impact of the current facility's deteriorating condition on inmate welfare. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Labat stated, "Although the scope of the DOJ’s report did not include determining the need for a replacement facility." He also added, "It is important to acknowledge that many of the issues highlighted are worsened by the deteriorating condition of the current facility."
In response to the DOJ's findings that inmates were subjected to "inhumane, violent, and hazardous conditions," Sheriff Labat emphasized the ongoing degradation of the jail, despite $300 million approved for renovations by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. Notably, Labat underscored the need to effectively address the realties that have long festered by saying, "Rice Street is still Rice Street, and we can put as much paint on the walls as we want to. But, this has been decades in the making." He told Fox 5 Atlanta that "it's an opportunity to still, as we look down the road, to really get what our community deserves."
Concurrently, the DOJ report criticized the jail's leadership for failing to take adequate measures to mitigate violence and ensure safety, suggesting various policy changes as potential remedies. In contrast, Sheriff Labat linked the ongoing disrepair directly to the cycles of "unrest and vandalism" and subsequently to the challenges in staffing. "The failing building compounded by the lack of adequate staffing only fuels unrest and vandalism, which, in turn, exacerbates the challenges we face in recruiting new talent and retaining experienced staff to work in the jail," Labat noted in a statement obtained by 11Alive.
Despite previously paused plans for a new facility due to cost concerns, Labat continues to argue that a modernized jail would fundamentally improve conditions and the culture within. "A modernized facility is not just about adding space—it’s about creating a culture designed to improve mental health care, provide enhanced medical services, introduce practical programming, and ensure humane conditions," he said. The sheriff's full statement underscores a dedication to collaboration with various levels of government to implement reforms, reduce inmate populations responsibly, and directly address systemic issues, as reported by 11Alive. His focus remains on the well-being and dignity of those in custody, as he asserts the imperative to work closely with the commissioners and other partners towards resolving the outlined challenges.
