In 1996, the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice notified Washington County, Maryland that the Department intended to investigate the county's Detention Center for unconstitutional jail conditions. The DOJ was particularly concerned with inadequate suicide prevention at the Detention Center but also with overcrowding and unsanitary conditions; inadequate medical care, nutrition, and opportunities for exercise; lack of access to the courts; physical and verbal abuse by staff; and failure to respond to inmate grievances.

In 1997, following the investigation, the DOJ notified the President of the Board of its findings and made recommendations regarding suicide prevention, medical care, opportunities for outdoor exercise, hygiene in intake, sanitation in the female housing unit, and access to the courts. It appears that the Attorney General did not file suit against the Detention Center, so there was never a court proceeding.

Lauren Cutson - 05/19/2005


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