LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A year-long investigation into the conditions inside the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections' downtown facility is complete, officials say, and it's revealed 'continued failure' by previous city and jail leadership to address existing problems.
The Louisville Metro Council requested an investigation into the downtown jail after more than a dozen people died while in LMDC custody since Nov. 2021, including 10 by either suicide or from drug overdose.
The Council appointed former FBI agent David Beyer to conduct the investigation back in February 2022.
In a 457-page report, Beyer found a number of concerns including prior leadership shortcomings, an antiquated facility, inadequate staffing, outdated technology, failure to adhere to basic security protocols, and needed reform of the medical care program.
The Government Oversight/Audit & Appointments (GOAA) Committee said it also includes a detailed analysis of nine out of the 13 in-custody deaths at LMDC, of which Beyer concludes many could have been avoided if Louisville had a modern jail facility.
"It became obvious there are many factors involved that may have contributed to the increased number of deaths and will continue to be factors that may result in additional deaths if not addressed," he warns.
The report also warns city leaders that lawsuits and a potential federal intervention could be on the horizon if swift action isn't taken.
“The jail facility itself needs to be replaced,” he said. “The current facility is tremendously antiquated and inadequate. This must be a priority for Metro Government.”
In his findings, Beyer shows photos inside Louisville's jail demonstrating how its design creates 'blind spots,' preventing officers from having constant, direct oversight. He says this allows inmates to more easily harm themselves and funnel contraband inside cells.
The report also highlights the building lacks the space for medical and mental health services to be provided properly.
Beyer notes inmates saying mental health patients are housed with the general jail population, and that it frequently takes two to three weeks to be seen by a medical professional -- even after an inmate's request.
Metro Council President Markus Winkler (D-17) says funding for a new facility would be years away, but they could start coming up with a plan now.
"When you look at that facility, it's probably past its functional life, and we should begin work to look at what a new and modern facility should look like, and that includes things like mental health and substance abuse services," Winkler said. "[Discussing] what our capital strategy around a corrections facility is."
Daniel Johnson, president of the union representing Corrections officers (Louisville FOP Lodge 77), is calling for action now.
"If we don't get an updated facility, you're just putting a Band-Aid on a long-term problem," Johnson said. "We've seen what the Department of Justice will come in and do, and we just don't want to wait until the same thing happens to us."
The report also found a culture of "rampant" workplace sexual harassment and discrimination against female employees.
The report also came with 22 recommendations.
One of them is to create housing specifically for inmates with severe mental health challenges.
Another is to separate violent from non-violent offenders.
One recommendation calls on LMDC to establish an audit unit to ensure proper policies are being followed.
“The content of this report is very disturbing,” Chair Councilwoman Cindi Flower (D-14) said. “Needed change is long overdue and the Metro Council will work side by side with the administration to ensure needed improvements for employees and inmates alike.”
Beyer said although LMDC Director Jerry Collins and his executive staff have brought “the leadership needed to address many of the jail’s shortcomings,” there is still much work to be done -- particularly to the facility itself.
Last week, Lousiville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced a series of initiatives to improve conditions at LMDC including more transparency about the jail population and better mental health access for incarcerated persons.
The GOAA Committee is expected to meet on Wednesday, May 24 at 4 p.m. to discuss the report’s findings further.
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