Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett says it needs to be an all-hands-on-deck approach when it comes to resolving issues at the jail. Commissioner Barrett, who is in support of building a new jail in the county, was a guest on Monday’s edition of “Closer Look.”
The commissioner told show host Rose Scott that “the fix is not cheap.” She further explained that no one wants to raise taxes, but the jail’s infrastructure is beyond its lifespan and that it was designed for in-direct supervision. Barrett says it wouldn’t be cost-effective to invest money to reconstruct the jail for a direct-supervision model.
During the conversation, Barrett also responded to the Justice Department’s newly released report that found the conditions at the Fulton County Jail are unsafe, unsanitary and inhumane—and in violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law.
She also discussed the efforts of her and other local leaders to improve the jail through a Fulton County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council that the county commission recently dismissed.
She also explained why she feels the state should invest in behavioral health and expand Medicaid.
