Georgia leaders pushing for DOJ investigation into Bibb County Jail
"The NAACP heard the call that we responded and that we are trying to move our elected officials to a point where they understand there is a human rights crisis happening in the jail, and something needs to be done."
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Leaders in Georgia are pushing for a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the Bibb County Jail.
Last week, Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock called on the DOJ to start an investigation.
Gerald Griggs, President of the Georgia NAACP, is one of those calling for an investigation.
“The NAACP heard the call that we responded and that we are trying to move our elected officials to a point where they understand there is a human rights crisis happening in the jail, and something needs to be done,” said Griggs.
He says limited funding from the county is creating an ineffective criminal justice system. Griggs said he is disappointed that the issues have escalated to this point, drawing similarities to conditions in the Fulton County Jail, where federal oversight led to a consent decree mandating improvements.
“Our hope is that it will be similar to what happened in Fulton County, where there will be a consent decree entered into to force changes at the jail, including, but not limited to the tearing down of sections of the jail and rebuilding them,” he said. “You know, we tried to have a meeting with the Mayor and of course, the Mayor didn’t want to meet with the NAACP. So, we met with the Senators, and we look forward to meeting with the Department of Justice. This is a serious concern. It’s the worst deal I’ve ever seen. And so there needs to be real change and not lip service, and I hope that the Department of Justice heeds the call of two Senators who are heeding the call of the community.”
According to Griggs, if a formal investigation is launched and the county does not address the matters DOJ reports, legal action could be taken. He says an investigation could take about a year.
41NBC reached out to Bibb County Public Affairs about the comments from Griggs on Monday, but we have not heard back as of this report.
