SENECA — Oconee County Council members toured the local jail this week for the first time.
They did not like what they saw.
“It’s educational, eye-opening,” Councilman Joel Thrift said of the experience during Tuesday night’s council meeting. “Human decency deserves better.”
The 31-year-old facility is in disrepair, overcrowded and lacks sprinklers and smoke detectors in violation of local and state codes. Often, male and female inmates must sleep on floor mats. In recent weeks, two inmates suffered serious injuries after getting beaten up in linear cells that are difficult to monitor by guards.
Councilman Mario Suarez was moved by the deplorable conditions.
“I never thought I’d feel sorry for criminals there,” he said.
Council Chairman Reg Dexter said he would gladly take to the local jail anyone contemplating a crime because he’s sure it would act as a deterrent.
Dexter said the tour of the Oconee Detention Center, one day after he visited and toured the jail in Toccoa, Ga., was an eye-opener for him. He said the cells in Toccoa were very clean because everything is steel for the most part.
Also, Dexter said each room had a toilet and shower. The 192-bed facility was built for approximately $11 million.
Last week, a consultant said a new jail would cost the county more than $17 million. Other options to renovate or make an addition to the old facility ranged from $15 million to more than $20 million.
Council is considering the option of adding pre-fabricated steel cells to address the local jail deficiencies as a way of cutting down on costs.
“This is something we have to address,” Dexter said. “It’s not something we could stand by and hope it disappears.”
carlos@dailyjm.com | (864) 882-2375
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November 5, 2009
8:49 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I'm sorry that conditions are so deplorable, but let's get real. If it is so bad then why are there so many repeat offenders? Maybe Sheriff Singleton could take a lesson from Sheriff Joe Arpaio and put tents out back and make the inmates work.
November 5, 2009
11:57 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Obey the law, follow the rules of society, and you can sleep in your own confortable bed.
November 5, 2009
12:35 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I think they should have the inmates sleep in shifts. 3 people per bed, 8 hours each. That would help with the over crowding. Also, take away all the crap they have... tvs, radios and all that stuff. Make them work in the county picking up trash, mowing the grass, painting buildings, whatever. Make them earn their keep. Right now, although some consider the conditions to be deplorable, what crime did they commit? Wasn't it deplorable as well? I don't feel sorry for them one bit. Here I am out here working my fingers to the bone to keep food on the table and a roof over my head, and paying to keep them 'entertained'. I agree with what 'do the right thing' posted, too... take a lesson from Sheriff Joe.
November 5, 2009
5:12 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I wish we could do as they do where ever Joe lives however we live in SC and the laws are different.The people here would really have a pity party.I think we ought to go back to the old chaingangs,but I don't believe that would work either .So glad we live in SC are you?