Lester Young speaks out on violence-plagued Alvin S. Glenn detention center in South Carolina

“The State Dept. of Corrections has set a deadline for the embattled Alvin S Glenn detention center to put some changes in place after a continuing string of violence at the jail.

“So far this month, there have been multiple reports of stabbings, fights and sexual assaults.

“In September, the Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. has reported one sexual assault, three stabbings and three assaults at the jail.

“The letter sent to Richland county administrator Leonardo Brown, dated August 28th, ‘It should come as no surprise that some conditions at your detention center are in need of immediate attention and improvement.’

“State officials have given the county a deadline of September 28th to respond. …

“In late July, the department of corrections also spent two days at Alvin S Glenn conducting inspections, citing concerns about safety.

“Prison reform advocate, Lester Young [JLUSA Senior Movement & Capacity Building Specialist], says Alvin S Glenn and other county jails need more help, adding they don’t have the same type of staffing and resources as state prisons, and something has to be done to help control violence behind bars.

“‘I really believe that not only do we have to talk about bail reform, but also county jail reform,’ said Young. ‘We need to bring in more people to provide more services for these men and women such as G.E.D programs, to life skill programs, and gang interventions.’”

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