RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — Richland County officials have delivered a crucial report to the South Carolina Department of Corrections, outlining their ongoing efforts to enhance conditions at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
The S.C. Corrections Department confirmed that it received the document late Friday, which is the deadline for the county to submit its improvement plan.
New19 attempted to obtain the report by contacting Richland County officials and submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, but we have not yet received it.
The Corrections Department said in a brief statement that they will evaluate the report and schedule a follow-up inspection to collaborate with the county on implementing additional solutions.
The genesis of this process dates back to April 2023, when the jail presented a strategic plan to the corrections department to improve the facility. In May, the South Carolina Department of Corrections--which has oversight over all jails in the state--responded, approving the plan but also asking additional questions.
In November of 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into the jail following allegations of civil rights violations and structural deficiencies, including reports of sexual assaults, homicides, and pervasive violence leading to serious injuries. That investigation remains ongoing.
In November, News19's Darci Strickland was granted access to a newly renovated unit of the facility. Significant upgrades were made to the building, including reinforced door locks, floor-welded beds, and stainless steel plumbing fixtures designed to enhance security.
On Nov. 30, the S.C. Department of Corrections conducted its annual jail inspection, releasing a report indicating progress but highlighting areas requiring further attention.
Policy violations were noted, such as holding cells being utilized for extended observation periods exceeding six hours and instances of security lapses, including a male inmate gaining access to female housing and the discovery of unsecured keys at a desk.
Richland County Councilmember Don Weaver of Richland County affirmed the county's commitment to effecting improvements. "We voted in a package a few months... it was over $30 million in improvements, some of that was for staffing," he said. "There was a lot of different things going on with cell blocks down there so we are putting the money [to help]. The county council is united in saying we are going to provide the resources the administration need so fix the issues down there. I think we've turned the corner and I think better days are ahead for Alvin S Glenn."
Since the beginning of the year, 11 jail employees have been arrested, many on charges related to contraband possession within the facility. The arrests are part of a joint effort by the jail and the Richland County Sheriff's Department to prevent illegal items from entering the facility.