FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

 

Response To ‘Southern Center For Human Rights’ Allegations Concerning Inmate Diets At The Gordon County Jail

Sheriff Mitch Ralston Reports:

Today, October 28th, the Sheriff’s Office was notified that the ‘Southern Center For Human Rights’ had published an internet article and letter to myself containing a variety of allegations regarding inmate dietary and nutritional issues.  After reviewing this article and letter, I categorically reject the notion that inmates are denied basic nutritional needs, or indeed any basic human rights.  The jail has a pre-existing contract with Trinity Food Services Inc. to provide inmate meals, which we have had since 2009.  Trinity services over 350 jails in the United States. Our jail health care providers, Southern Health Partners, have treated no inmates here for malnutrition.  The jail is in full compliance with OCGA 42-4-32 (b) which states, “ All inmates shall be given not less than two substantial and wholesome meals daily.”, as well as being in compliance with American Correction Association (ACA) standards regarding daily calorie intake for persons in custody.  A “Statement of Nutritional Adequacy” from ‘Trinity Services Group’ is attached here.

This facility is inspected quarterly by a Grand Jury composed of ordinary citizens drawn from this county.  On August 11, 2014, the returns of the June, 2014 Term of the Gordon County Grand Jury were filed in Gordon County Superior Court.  Paragraph 4 of Page 3 of this report states, We found the facility to be in excellent condition, staffed and run professionally, and we observed that all the prisoners are appropriately maintained…”. *

The ‘Southern Center For Human Rights’  preliminary investigation appeared to rely heavily on statements of “numerous jail inmates”, as this organization made no efforts to speak with my jail administrator or myself regarding this matter. Also, I’d like to point out the fact that despite their appearance of concern for the well being of inmates, the personnel from the Southern Center For Human Rights chose to publish an internet article and an open letter rather than report the alleged malnutrition to my staff, myself, or even to an outside medical authority or healthcare provider. ”

 

Sheriff Mitch Ralston