The Fulton County Sheriff's Office announced on May 26 that it will stop accepting most misdemeanor arrestees at the Rice Street jail amid a federal consent decree over the facility's unconstitutional conditions.
The announcement says the policy, with limited exceptions, will go into effect on July 1. Cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or aggravated misdemeanor circumstances will continue to be accepted, according to the sheriff's office.
The policy change comes as the jail remains under federal oversight following years of complaints about overcrowding, staffing shortages, and inmate deaths. A federal judge found conditions at the facility unconstitutional and ordered reforms.
The new policy will affect how local police departments across Fulton County handle low-level arrests. Officers may be required to issue citations in lieu of arrests for certain offenses, or transport arrestees to other facilities.
Atlanta Police Department and other local agencies will need to adjust their procedures accordingly. The change could significantly impact arrest practices for offenses like simple possession, minor theft, and disorderly conduct.
The sheriff's office said the decision was necessary to comply with court-ordered population limits and ensure the safety of both inmates and staff. The Rice Street jail has been plagued by problems for years, with multiple deaths and lawsuits highlighting dangerous conditions.