The Fulton County Commission approves $5.3 million dollars in emergency funding aimed at cleaning and ensuring safety at the Fulton County Jail. This comes amidst the hailstorm that has resulted following the death of 35 year old LaShawn Thompson inside a cell at the jail. It was on September 12, 2022, when he was found dead, his body riddled with insect bites. The lawyer for Thompson's family says it appears that he had been 'eaten alive.' They called for a criminal investigation last week and threatened to file a lawsuit.
During a news conference Wednesday following the unanimous vote, Commission Chairman Robb Pitts said it was "to show our ongoing support for Sheriff Patrick Labat and his initiatives." Other Board members expressed condolences to the family of LaShawn Thompson and said their goal is "to continue to work together to ensure that such an incident never occurs again."
Specific jail investments approved by Fulton County Commission
$2.1 million for devices to provide real-time tracking of detainee heart rate and blood pressure in the Medical and Psychiatric Units
$485,000 for Sanitizing and Clinical-grade sanitizing and decontamination of all medical and psychiatric observation units
$630,000 for 4D imaging of mail contents to detect narcotics and other contraband in mail sent to inmates
$1.1 million for 91 additional Jail Surveillance Cameras
$1 million for additional emergency management support with Emergency Management Services, Inc.
In addition, the Board approved $869,893 for the next phase of the Jail Feasibility study, which supports forward momentum toward a new Fulton County Jail.
Thompson family reacts to funding for changes at the jail
Upon hearing about the approved funding for jail improvements, Attorney Michael Harper tells Audacy Atlanta that the family is encouraged county commissioners finally are understanding the jail problem and are taking steps to make improvements. But it's too late, Harper says, for Thompson's family. "We believe that they're doing this as a direct response to the international outrage and coverage of LaShawn Thompson's death. (He) died in September of 2022 and there were no changes made at that time."