An Alabama sheriff evacuated the Autauga County Metro Jail on Thursday, citing concerns over unspecified 'health and safety issues.' The sheriff, in a statement posted on Facebook, announced that inmates were being transported to other facilities to prevent any potential risks. Currently, the jail's inmate roster lists 164 individuals.
The sheriff mentioned that arrangements had been made with several agencies to house the inmates in a safe environment, although the specific agencies and the duration of housing were not disclosed.
Emphasizing his commitment to the safety and security of all individuals associated with the jail, the sheriff stated that the County Commission needed to address the identified issues before any further inmates could be admitted. However, the exact nature of these issues was not elaborated upon.
The Autauga County Administrator acknowledged that the commission was aware of the jail's problems but did not provide specific details. He mentioned ongoing efforts to collaborate with the sheriff's office to address concerns and ensure the well-being of everyone entering the facility.
This week, the commission dispatched workers to the jail to address the identified issues, and experts conducted inspections to assess the situation. The administrator affirmed the commitment to making necessary improvements within legal boundaries and available resources to safeguard the health and safety of all individuals associated with the jail.