ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Protests broke out at St. Louis City Hall on Friday regarding a long running issue across the street.
Protests broke out over the deaths and conditions of detainees at the St. Louis City Justice Center, bringing Friday's Board of Alderman meeting to an abrupt halt.
Signs hung over Aldermanic chambers reading "NO JAIL DEATHS," as protesters marched around the City Hall rotunda, chanting.
Several alderman stuck around to speak with the protestors about their demands, including the lack of a hearing surrounding the death of a woman who reportedly hung herself several months ago.
The protestors demands for St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones include immediate improvements to the jail conditions, steps to improve detainee health care, a review of detainee grievances and allowing the detention facility oversight board access to the jail.
"They can get rid of the 23 and one lockdowns," said Mike Milton, one of the protestors. "They can increase medical care, there are a list of people who are awaiting medical care. They could stop the water shutoffs."
Charles Coyle, Director of Public Safety, says they have made changes to improve detainee safety.
"We have had a number of improvements since last year," said Coyle. "I think our first death was in August of this year sadly, but we have made improvements in corrections to maintain the health and safety of the detainees that are put in our care."
Staffing issues has long been an issue at the City Justice Center, which are highlighted in the Missouri State Auditor's report that was released in August.
Coyle conceded he has seen the report but has not read it. He says in his view, the jail has enough staff to adequately handle the detainee population.
