(Richland PIO) – "Richland County disagrees with the conclusion of the report the Department of Justice released today and strongly believes we provide constitutional protections for individuals housed at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
"Many facts as presented in the report are outdated and do not reflect current conditions at the facility today. We are unwavering in our confidence in the significant changes we’ve implemented, which is why we invited the Department of Justice to tour last month and see firsthand the more than $30 million in renovations completed or still in progress. Despite the fact that these improvements were noted in the Department of Justice news conference today and in the report itself, we believe the current and future impact of these improvements was not fully appreciated and considered in the DOJ’s findings.
"Our focus on transparency continued with an open invitation extended to a local media outlet, offering the opportunity to tour the detention center with cameras and gain insight into our efforts.
"The improvements are making the facility safer every day. Since renovations began, assaults with a weapon were reduced 82 percent in just one year, from 17 such incidents between June and December 2023 to three incidents between June and December 2024.
"We fully recognize that the changes made were necessary and critical for the safety of both our staff and residents. Our significant financial investment reinforces that the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center is a top priority for Richland County and its leadership.
"Over the coming days, the County and our legal team will work with the Department of Justice to correct the department’s misguided conclusions and to carefully consider all appropriate recommendations as we continue to enhance the functionality of the facility."
-- Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown