After four years of pretrial detention, one had charges dismissed and the other was acquitted at. The kids are between the ages of 13-17 and are routinely strip searched by jail officials. A report commissioned by Allegheny County Jail found "no significant trends or common factors that would show a particular weakness or gap in operations" that led to 27 inmate deaths at the. There are about 20 teenagers, ages 13 to 17, behind bars at the jail. Start testing now. On February 27, 2023, lawyers in a federal lawsuit against the jail stated that, . There were also concerns that the jail was violating a voter referendum that had banned solitary confinement by the repeated, On January 18, 2023, it was reported that Denzelle Kendrick was, by the jail and suddenly taken off several medications theyve been on since birth without explanation. The man contracted to provide more than $300,000 in training for officers at Allegheny County Jail has been the subject of multiple lawsuits, a foreclosure and federal tax liens in recent years . In October 2021, it was reported that a fifth person, Paul Allen, had died at the Jail in the last year, making the death rate per population at ACJ higher than infamous brutal jails such as Rikers Island. , cold enough to see your breath and be a health hazard. The Allegheny County Jail has had people in solitary confinement for weeks and Warden Harper refuses to give them hearings or release them. On March 2nd, 2022, at an Allegheny County Jail Oversight Board meeting, Warden Harper made excuses about those being held not receiving their needed medication. On Jan. 13, Richard Arrington, who was incarcerated at the jail, said he was wearing two T-shirts, a thermal shirt and his uniform. I furthermore call on Allegheny County elected officials to take immediate action to remove the warden and deputy wardens if they refuse to resign. The jail did not immediately respond other than to say the person could file a grievance. Officials cite the food supplier as having a conflict of interest in its contracts with Allegheny County since it also has a contract for the commissary where it charges huge prices for snacks outside of the regular meals. The county said theres no problem with the heat, and that when issues arise, they are fixed immediately. The jails energy plant is expected to be completed by the end of the year, Caponi wrote. It can lead to adverse psychological symptoms and is exacerbated in people with mental health problems, the lawsuit continued. Please, Note: this was initially published as part of an. On January 14th, 2022, Warden Harper held a rushed press conference to deny allegations of the complaints from the 11th. Plaintiff Shaquille Howard has been at the jail since June 2017 and has adjustment disorder with anxiety, depression and PTSD. The Allegheny County Jail oversight board, in a 4-3-1 vote, decided Monday to dissolve a nearly $450,000 contract with the Corrections-Special Applications Unit The report cites continued shortages of staff, inadequate training, punishment of those being held for seeking treatment, and continued use of solitary confinement despite the citizens referendum banning such confinement. The fact that there has not been any administrative changes at the jail, he continued, shows an appalling lack of concern for the conditions there and the communities in the jail on the part of our county executive.. Surprise inspections led by two Jail Oversight Board members raise new concerns about sanitation, dire understaffing, mental health care, and conditions for teenagers at the county jail. This includes reports of an unclean kitchen with staff reporting problems with rodent droppings and roaches. Family only discovered this by requesting medical records from the jail and hospital. The lawsuit alleges that on Jan. 8 there was a fight on his pod which Castaphany was not involved in. As of February 6th, 2022, the Allegheny County Jail is still keeping folks held in lockdown, supposedly due to Covid, despite people's referendum against solitary confinement. . Warden Orlando Harper has also said there is no issue with the heat at the jail. An advocacy group has filed more than 60. x[Yo~7@>\i%( The family of Gerald Thomas in particular demanded change at the jail, citing both t. , leading to more questions about the jails food service contract. As far as the temperatures in the cell blocks, I walk the cell block frequently, and it is very comfortable in the cell block. There was an error in the login information you submitted. Collective punishment of juveniles and humiliating strip searches. Replacing the Warden and deputy wardens should be a first step to further jail and criminal court system reform, such as ending cash bail and sending non-violent offenders home, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that puts all in the jail at risk. The jail did not immediately respond other than to say the person could file a grievance. Their conditions have worsened and ACJs already high suicide completion and attempt rates have continued to increase. The report released Thursday said almost all of the recommendations in that report have been implemented. No details were given by the jail. This included one story of a woman who was left handcuffed to a table for hours; Harper called this recreation time because she was technically out of her cell, even though it clearly violates the spirit of the referendum. In late September 2021, after repeatedly refusing to give the Jail Oversight Board more information on Garcia and C-SAU training, the JOB voted to end the contract and ban Garcia from providing any further training to the county. As of Tuesday, there were 1,663 people incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail, according to the county's jail dashboard. On June 10, 2022, Pittsburgh City-Paper reported on a new lawsuit alleging brutal treatment of people with psychiatric disabilities in the jail. Apply today. Those entering the jail with substance abuse disorder should be started on detoxification immediately and managed, the report said. A separate energy plant in the County Office Building will supply the jails hot water. On June 29, 2022, it was reported that Dolly Bucek, ex-wife of Martin Bucek who died in the jail one year ago, has. Compared with other counties, PublicSource noted that Correctional experts PublicSource spoke to described Allegheny Countys redactions, which were made by Warden Orlando Harper, as. Police Notified 3. We're looking for volunteers who interact with Allegheny County to test a new navigation structure for our website! Based upon numerous complaints about Corizon's performance at the jail since the contract began, Wagner was concerned the company was not honoring its obligations. While some complaints are from the current winter, others have said this has been a common issue for years. In July 2021, video became public of a jail officers. During a news conference on Tuesday morning, attorneys for the plaintiffs demanded a leadership change at the jail. e .Uo*AERYUJZN8wjw37L{>1MJt7tgxZHz1]^wyQ;q9mA(IBP2$:Cfl6'L~[~#. among the staff due to the lack of leadership and action from Warden Harper and the administration. he has also alienated his staff and the public, and lacks the management skills to direct the jails 560 employees. The lawsuit alleges denial of civil rights and due process, and seeks injunctive relief as well as monetary damages for illegal detention. Elliot used a fourth floor fire escape window to flee Renewal Center 1 on Boulevard of the Allies on March 14. . In September 2020, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the jail and top officials at the jail including the Warden, alleging, . On June 2, 2022, the Abolitionist Law Center held a rally outside of the Jail Oversight Board monthly meeting to ask Are we running a jail or a cemetery? The Jail has so far refused details about the deaths that have occurred in the jail and families are demanding answers. For anyone to say that this jail is normal is absolutely outrageous, said Susan McCampbell, president of Center for Innovative Public Policies. PLUM, Pa. (KDKA) - A Plum Borough man who previously ran for a seat on Allegheny County Council is in jail and facing nearly a dozen charges. Over 50% of the medical positions at ACJ are unfilled, showing the staffing crisis continues without any specific plan from Warden Harper on how to fix it. Anyone who wishes to see an inmate will need to schedule an appointment online or via phone at (855) 208-7349. Comments on mental health included The place is very punitive mental torture. On February 25th, 2022, a story from an anonymous Summit Food Service employee that previously worked in the jail described in a social media post how food with roaches and mice and moldy food was being kept by supervisors to be fed to people held in the jail. If the Court determines Allegheny County is not the appropriate forum to address your custody case, your complaint in custody will be dismissed. 3 0 obj A report from the end of September 2021 identified that at least 3 people have died in the last month at the Allegheny County Jail. A separate energy plant in the County Office Building will supply the jails hot water. Why did it takes days and a letter from those in the jail before officials acted? As of February 6th, 2022, the Allegheny County Jail is still keeping folks held in lockdown, supposedly due to Covid, despite peoples referendum against solitary confinement. Additionally, Harper. Shortly after, the county announced it was, On September 7th, 2022, a new survey of those held at the jail showed , of the Allegheny County Council provided further details; comments included that Theyve sent up roaches with the food 3 times in 5 months, Food comes up hours late, if it comes at all, and Also, there would be roaches in our food and rock like materials in there as well and the jail expects us to eat such a thing. Comments also complained of extraordinarily high cost for commisary foods. Pod temperatures each time have registered at approximately 74 degrees, he wrote in a Feb. 25 email to PublicSource. We provide the Jail a double feed system capable of delivering 2-3 times the actual building requirement, OBrien wrote in a Feb. 19 email to PublicSource. Long wait times for healthcare and generally understaffed with overworked staff. that should have been banned, ridiculously claiming that the weapons were already purchased before the ban went into effect and therefore he was allowed to use them. On July 28th, 2022, photos were shared of the food being served in the jail. While escorting Mr. Castaphany across the 8E pod to suicide watch on 5C, corrections officers and others began singing Oh, Christmas Tree. This is against the law voters passed. They all confirm the reflexive, unconstitutional use of excessive force and routine denial of care, she said. The Allegheny County Council and Executive must take steps to ensure replacement leadership prioritizes human rights, social services, and humane treatment, and works with the courts and District Attorneys office to permanently reduce the jail population. Juliette Rihl is a reporter for PublicSource. An abuse of authority of such severity cannot be treated with impunity. The county is fighting a lawsuit and defending the officer. Shortly after, the county announced it was putting out a contract to hire someone to investigate the deaths. Still cold, Arrington filed another complaint on Jan. 17. In March 2021, several allegations came out regarding lack of heat in jail cells, cold enough to see your breath and be a health hazard. , county council member and jail oversight board member, ACJ has had 13 deaths since the beginning of Covid up to the time of this writing. Warden Harper and Deputy Warden Williams appear to have known about this use of the chairs. Anthony Talotta, 57, is the sixth person to die in the jail in 2022. Jailbreak PGH, a grassroots group that advocates for people inside the jail, heard in early February from over 10 people at the facility that the vents inside the cells were blowing cold air, according to Nicole, a member who asked that her last name be withheld for privacy concerns. In addition, Kurin noted that they spoke at length with former corrections officers and health care staff members. People leave ACJ worse than they entered, at risk for debilitating flashbacks, anxiety, depression and suicidality, the lawsuit said, calling correctional officers hostile to inmates mental health needs and to psychiatrists efforts to meet and treat their patients. Tell the world. In February 2020, there were serious questions about how the jail was using the Inmate Welfare Fund. When local newspapers call on the jail to follow the existing law, that is a huge red flag about the problems existing at the jail. A 2016 study showed that up to 81% of all people held in the jail have not been found guilty of a crime and are only held because of lack of funds to pay cash bail a ransom, really. You will be notified if there is insufficient evidence to proceed. Officials especially on the Jail Oversight Board continue to express their frustration with how non-transparent Warden Harper continues to be. On March 31, 2022, during a live interview in which Warden Harper was defending against accusations of improper staffing and medical treatment at the jail, callers called in saying they too were not properly treated at Allegheny County Jail and only received medical treatment after being transferred to Butler County Jail. Those control the heat in a few cells. According to one person, The warden needs to be addressed. Deuerling was limited in the time she was allowed to hold her infant, he said, and she was not allowed to shower for two days., In May 2019, lawyer Bret Grote wrote about the travesty of the Allegheny County Jail, describing to the Trib: As a civil rights attorney, I have had, . I had to sleep every day with a blanket over my head. She described people cutting the bottom of their socks to use them as sleeves. On September 1st, Warden Harper responded to increasing criticism over these contracts and dismissed concerns over use of force, despite the Allegheny County Jail having the most use of force incidents in the whole state in 2020. A group of inmates at the Allegheny County Jail have filed a federal lawsuit alleging a gross failure to care for their mental health, citing an environment in which staff belittle, abuse and mock them. , and interviewed them under duress without the presence of lawyers or informing complainants of their rights. Harper claimed that internal investigation showed that the complaints were incorrectly reported publicly. 4 0 obj Some formerly incarcerated people said the jails heat has been an issue for years. However, follow-ups with the complainants showed that. On October 5th, 2022, it was reported by PINJ that Wilson Bernales, one of two medical doctors currently employed at the Allegheny County Jail, has had his medical license suspended, revoked or denied in at least eight different states. Yet Bernales can still practice in Pennsylvania and was hired by the jail despite this resume. Porter, the lawsuit said, is blind in his left eye from being shot in the face and also has severe anxiety, depression and PTSD. that lists numerous problems with the jail over the last few years, similar to this list. Lack of access to nutritious food and hygiene products (commisary being too expensive). 1. over a week after previously reporting the issue publicly. However, as he tried to return to his cell, a sergeant pointed a taser at his face and ordered him to the ground, the complaint said. Downs confirmed that the readings were taken inside the cells, not just in the recreational areas. Details were not immediately released to the public. Castaphany has been in the jail since May 2019 and has anxiety, depression and PTSD. <>>> On July 19th, 2022, County Councilmember and Jail Oversight Board member Bethany Hallam. On February 1st, 2022, another person, now the 12th in two years, died within a week of medical problems at the jail, which the jail describes as found unresponsive. use of lockdowns through the month of December, Abolitionist Law Center demanded the jail provide immediate emergency medical care for Kendrick, Kendrick suffered a stroke in the jail from lack of care, Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2018, Kendrick has still not received medication and treatment, mental health treatment in the jail is shockingly substandard. On October 5th, 2022, it was reported by PINJ that Wilson Bernales, one of two medical doctors currently employed at the Allegheny County Jail, has. Officers said. that covered a review of recent jail statistics and events, including that the jail has faced over 162 health code violations since 2014, with a quote from a kitchen worker stating: On August 14th, 2022, it was a reported that, , 17 total since early 2020. On Feb. 10, 2020, while in solitary, Mr. Howard attempted to hang himself, the lawsuit said. Also in August 2021, a report issued by Warden Harper dated for July 2021 on work toward implementing the solitary confinement ban voters approved in the municipal election was called into question by oversight board members. The organization said the jail should create a checklist to ensure thorough reporting. The Tribune-Review published an editorial titled , . Some members of the Allegheny County Jail Oversight Board and other community members worry the jail could be in violation of a voter-approved referendum banning the use of solitary . Jail staff raised concerns about Talottas medical treatment at the jail and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The report continues: Talottas intellectual disability may have prevented him from participating in and understanding his own defense and trial. Carefully consider if Allegheny County is the appropriate place to file for custody. Later that day, the jail released a statement on social media that the lack of heat was reported on a Saturday and not fixed until Tuesday marking at least 3-4 days without heat without any explanation or details beyond calling it an unspecified heating system issue. Eric Phillip Casteel, 62, was arrested at his Plum home Thursday and charged with three misdemeanor counts each of endangering another person, terroristic threats and simple assault. Later that day, the jail released a statement on social media that the lack of heat was reported on a Saturday and not fixed until Tuesday marking at least 3-4 days without heat without any explanation or details beyond calling it an unspecified heating system issue. The Allegheny County Council and Executive must take steps to ensure replacement leadership prioritizes human rights, social services, and humane treatment, and works with the courts and District Attorneys office to permanently reduce the jail population. Barbara Hulcha, who was at the jail from November 2014 to June 2016, agreed. On January 27, 2023, it was reported that. On November 23rd, 2022, the Abolitionist Law Center released a statement that folks held in the jail. . Hallam has been outspoken about issues at the jail during her time on the board and has been particularly focused on health care and mental health care, along with violations of a ban on solitary confinement, inadequate food and incarcerated individuals being forced to work without pay. R1k7_fozN ;ACPM07{S5A Nh? On April 29, 2022, it was reported that Jerry Lee Ross, Jr., had died after being detained in the Allegheny County Jail, now the 14th death at the jail since early 2020. On March 7th, 2022, it was widely reported that another person, a man in his 20s, later identified as Gerald Thomas, had died after suffering a medical emergency at the Jail. While some complaints are from the current winter, others have said this has been a common issue for years. At the Allegheny County Jail, visitation is strictly by appointment. Their conditions have worsened and ACJs already high suicide completion and attempt rates have continued to increase. Its unclear how those competency issues would have been resolved and if Talottas charges would have been dismissed due to his intellectual disability., On October 3rd, 2022, the Abolitionist Law Center filed a class-action lawsuit against Warden Harper and other county officials . This militarization seems to be a direct response to the citizen referendum banning solitary confinement. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirmed the misleading statistics from the jail administration resulting in joining calls for Harper to be fired, stating Whether Warden Orlando Harper was lying or simply didnt know better when he reported a false mortality rate for the Allegheny County Jail doesnt much matter. I call on Warden Orlando Harper and the Deputy Wardens Williams, Zewto, and Beasom to immediately resign in the interests of facilitating new leadership and better conditions at the jail in conformance with state, national, and international law. A January 5, 2023, Jail Oversight Board meeting discussed the jail inspection report and revealed that school, bringing questions of privacy and humiliation of those being held at the jail. This includes reports of an unclean kitchen with staff reporting problems with rodent droppings and roaches. She can be reached at juliette@publicsource.org or on Twitter @JulietteRihl. 50 years ago this month, we exposed a state institution. In early December 2021, days before a voter referendum banning solitary confinement is to go into effect, jail staff are warning that Harpers administration is not prepared to actually implement it. On January 18, 2023, it was reported that Denzelle Kendrick was denied medications by the jail and suddenly taken off several medications theyve been on since birth without explanation. Folks being held are supposed to get nutritious meals, this is unacceptable. Over 50% of the medical positions at ACJ are unfilled, showing the staffing crisis continues without any specific plan from Warden Harper on how to fix it. , showing further that Harper is aware of the conditions yet continues to downplay and ignore the issues at Jail Oversight Board meetings since the new year. In July, the Post-Gazette called for Mr. Harpers resignation, as have the employees union and many members of the public.. It alleges that there was not a full-time psychiatrist from February to August 2020 and that as of Aug. 6, there were 49 health care vacancies at the jail, making up approximately 40% of the total health care staff. The lack of care, the complaint said, leads to psychological pain, decompensation, increased disciplinary infractions, excessive use of force and an elevated risk of self-harm. On November 23rd, 2022, the Abolitionist Law Center released a statement that folks held in the jail wrote a letter stating that the jail had been without heat for days.
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