Local officials say a scathing State Department of Corrections Report on the Richland county jail was released to the media before they even saw it.
The Richland County Detention Center failed the state's inspection. Among the criticisms, examiners found a lack of plans to get inmates out in a fire, keys for cells and exits left in a desk drawer without a lock in a juvenile wing.
Prisoners are conducting head counts to make sure all inmates are accounted for, and they are getting clean clothes only once a week.
The official repose from the county reads: “Once the report is received, Richland County Administration and County Council will dedicate ample time to its thorough review.”
A federal inspection found at least six deaths at the jail since February of 22. The jail has also recently seen two escapes, one riot, 16 confirmed reports of stabbings or assaults and two alleged rapes.
