The NAACP DeKalb County Branch met with Sheriff Jeff Mann of the DeKalb County Jail on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 6:30pm. Teresa Hardy, President of the NAACP DeKalb County Branch, said “It is important that we work with the community to address issues that need to be resolved. That is why it was important that we address the concerns from the community with the Sheriff of the County Jail.”
OVER 20 Members of the NAACP DeKalb branch walked through the jail facility to review the operations and address concerns of inmates. NAACP DeKalb members toured the facility’s housing unit, medical and dental clinic, and GED classrooms. We also witnessed a demonstration of how inmates use kiosks to communicate with loved ones, order services, make medical appointments and file grievances.
NAACP members also addressed the allegations to the Sheriff and his staff. Mold was a big concern that was brought to the attention of the branch. Sheriff Mann explained the remediation that started in 2018 and continues today. They are now working to correct the conditions in the inmate’s kitchen area. Inmates were moved to other parts of the facility while the affected areas are being addressed. President Hardy said, “We discussed the various claims and our members asked some tough questions.” In the end, the Sheriff is making positive changes and adjustments and will continue to work with the organization on any further issues.”
NAACP DeKalb supports the rights of all humans and will work to make certain there is just treatment of all citizens without regards to their circumstance(s).