Fulton County commissioners have turned down a proposal to replace all the locks at the jail. The controversial vote on Wednesday was split right down the middle.
Col. Mark Adger, the chief jailer at Fulton County Jail, told Fulton county commissioners that inmates compromised the locks at least 40 times last year. The locks can reportedly be defeated with socks or string.
"We've had five that were violent in nature where either a staff member was attacked or another inmate was attacked," said Adger.
To combat those numbers and ensure staff safety, jail officials have increased security rounds in the 24-year-old facility and recommended replacing more than 1,300 locks for a hefty price tag of $5 million dollars.
However, several commissioners raised concerns about the cost and the monitoring of inmates.
"The folks around here pull my coat everyday…saying the goal was worthwhile. However, the dollars are not there," Fulton County Commissioner Emma Darnell said.
"Mr. Adger you tell me you got a lot of process in place that help you control inmate activity. That was my biggest issues, but I haven't seen anything," said Commissioner Bill Edwards.
The final vote was 3-3. With Commissioner Tom Lowe absent at the time, the measure did not pass, infuriating Chairman John Eaves.
"It's political dragging feet, playing around, gamesmanship that's going on. It's silly," said Eaves.
Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson said in a statement that he is confident there will be a resolution as he continues to work with the Fulton County Commission.
A federal court has struck down Fayette County's at-large method of electing members to certain county offices, saying the method was a violation of the Voting Rights Act.
A federal court has struck down Fayette County's at-large method of electing members to certain county offices, saying the method was a violation of the Voting Rights Act.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:44:17 GMT
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago.
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago. FOX 5 viewers provided information that led Alyssa Haskew to the moment she's waited more than a decade for: to say thank you to Scott Thomas.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:34 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:34:58 GMT
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla.
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla. School and emergency officials insist having kids sheltered in school buildings rather than being picked up is the best solution.
KTTV FOX 11 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
Locks at the Fulton County Jail can reportedly be defeated with socks or string.
