Sheriff Levon Allen in his first 90 days in office has made numerous improvements to the Clayton County Jail. Here is the report:
Sheriff Levon Allen requested and received a total of 6.4 million dollars from the Clayton County Board of Commissioners to improve the security of the jail. Those funds were used to secure the perimeter of the jail to stop contraband drop-off suspects from bringing drugs into the jail. After making those improvements, no one has been able to breach the perimeter security in the last 45 days.
Sheriff Allen ordered frequent shakedowns which resulted in the confiscation of over 32 shanks and seven phones. As a result, the jail has not had any reported stabbings in the last 45 days.
Also, a new massive hiring initiative has been underway which will result in the jail being fully staffed in the next 45 days!
The following is a breakdown of how the 6.4 million dollars requested by Sheriff Allen will be used to improve the jail:
The construction of the Clayton County Jail was completed in the year 2000. Over the last Twenty-three (23) years, several areas of the facility have deteriorated. A complete assessment of the Clayton County Jail and Justice Complex was conducted by Sheriff Allen. Sheriff Allen has implemented the following projects to improve the Safety, Security, and Sanitation of the Facility.
Metal Detectors are located at all of the entrances to the Justice Complex. These metal detectors were faulty and not properly working. Sheriff Allen secured the funding of $49,000 and had all the metal detectors replaced. These new metal detectors ensure that the Justice Complex is safe and secure for the Judges, Employees, and all citizens entering the building.
Over the years, Inmates were able to manipulate the old outdated cell locks. Inmates were able to manipulate the lock and come out of their cells at will. Sheriff Allen identified this to be a serious security risk. He was able to secure three (3) million dollars to upgrade and replace the locking system of the entire jail.
Over the years, Inmates were able to manipulate the lighting in the cells. Inmates were able to remove live electric wires to assist with cutting the window in their cell. Inmates also used the metal around the lights to produce homemade cutting devices. Recognizing this to be a serious security risk to other inmates and staff, Sheriff Allen secured $792,000 to replace all cell lights. The new light is a LED tamper-proof light.
Each cell has a plexiglass window. Inmates were cutting holes in the windows. Inmates were able to get contraband into the facility. Sheriff Allen ordered that windows be replaced with a new upgraded window. The new window is a 2-layer window. The inside is made of durable plexiglass and the second outside layer is a steal grate. This new window will prevent tampering and destruction by inmates. Sheriff Allen secured $771.000 to replace all windows.
Over time, the plumbing system has deteriorated. Several toilets were not working properly. Sheriff Allen identified and secured $384,000 to replace the non-working toilets in the jail.
When the facility was built, the builders did not include any cells for inmates in distress. Sheriff Allen identified 6 cells to be converted to accommodate for any mental health episodes. These 6 cells will be completely padded. Each cell will have a special toilet for inmates to use. These cells are specially designed to prevent inmates from harming themselves. Sheriff Allen secured a total of $402,000 to keep inmates in a mental health crisis safe.
To ensure that the facility is clean and sanitized, Sheriff Allen ordered all new chemical dispensers to be installed in each Housing Unit. This new system dilutes and distributes the right amount of chemicals to properly clean and sanitize the facility.
Sheriff Allen order a second fence to surround the jail for added security. This additional layer will prevent attempts to smuggle in contraband. Sheriff Allen was able to secure $360,000 to complete this project.
Through his assessment, Sheriff Allen noticed that the exterior lights needed to be upgraded. The lights were old and dim. They did not provide a sufficient amount of light at night. Sheriff Allen secured $64,000 to order new exterior lighting to improve the security of the facility.
The cameras on the exterior perimeter of the jail were inoperable. Sheriff Allen secured $60,000 to replace and upgrade the exterior camera system. This new system is monitored by staff at all times. The new camera system ensures that the facility stays safe and secure.
Sheriff Allen secured $233,000 to order a state-of-the-art drone system. The drone system will provide a 24-hour aerial view of the Justice Complex. This will assist the Sheriff’s Office in keeping the Justice Complex safe and secure
While Sheriff Allen is proud of the progress made during his first 90 days in office, this is just the beginning of the comprehensive plan that will transform the Clayton County Jail back to the safest facility in Georgia as Sheriff Allen’s administration simultaneously take back the streets of our county!
Carl Johnson
Social Media Manag
