The U.S. Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation of conditions in the Fulton County Jail, citing the Sept. 13 death of a homeless and mentally ill man in the lockup’s psychiatric wing.
On Thursday, DOJ announced it had found credible allegations that the jail is “structurally unsafe, that prevalent violence has resulted in serious injuries and homicides, and that officers are being prosecuted for using excessive force.”
The investigation, according to DOJ, will also focus on medical and mental health care and use of excessive force in the jail as well whether the Fulton Sheriff’s Office discriminates against people with psychiatric disabilities. DOJ added its probe will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons and Americans with Disabilities acts.
