Richmond, Georgia — Officials at the Richmond County jail are actively addressing concerns identified in a grand jury report from two months ago, which followed an inspection of the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. The facility has implemented several changes since the April 1 visit but continues to face significant hurdles, notably overcrowding and aging infrastructure.
In a detailed response to the grand jury’s findings, Major Chester Huffman shared updates on issues highlighted during the inspection. Notably, he reported that nearly all shower areas with 48-inch openings have been improved with new curtain systems, while plans for retrofitting larger openings are underway. Huffman acknowledged there are still some larger areas requiring updates, but emphasized that 95 percent of the necessary changes have been completed.
The kitchen conditions raised particular alarm in the grand jury’s report, describing them as a serious safety concern. At the time of the inspection, only one oven was functioning, food warmers were out of order, and several garbage disposals were non-operational. The report raised worries about potential food safety risks, with delays in feeding inmates being a significant issue.
Huffman clarified the situation in the kitchen, explaining that while the facility has food warmers, the number of ovens is insufficient to meet demand. “The current setup includes only two single ovens instead of the three double ovens recommended,” he noted. This shortfall means that meals are prepared more slowly than desired.
Furthermore, Huffman pointed out that the kitchen hood system, although still operational, is outdated and no longer meets current fire safety regulations. Discussions are ongoing about incorporating its replacement into the next renovation project.
The report also highlighted overcrowding as a pressing issue, with inmates sometimes seated on stairs during meals, particularly in the mental health unit. Huffman confirmed that the facility has been operating over its intended capacity, recently housing over 1,300 inmates while having only 1,078 beds available. He mentioned that this situation is consistently communicated to visiting grand jury members.
In light of these challenges, the grand jury urged for additional funding and support to address critical repairs and upgrades necessary to ensure a safe and humane environment for inmates. They concluded that the issues at the jail underscore an immediate need for increased resources.
While some immediate improvements have been initiated at the detention center, many long-term solutions hinge on an upcoming renovation project, which is currently in the early planning phase. In the interim, jail officials are striving to manage the facility’s constraints while working to improve conditions for its inmates.
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