Sheriff: Renovating Fulton County Jail like 'putting a band-aid on open-heart surgery'

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat says renovating the county jail is a bad move because it is putting a band-aid on the growing problem. The sheriff spoke about the decision during a press conference on Friday, just days after the Fulton County Commission held a 4-3 vote opting not to move forward with a new facility. 

"The building is being weaponized and so, to that extent, that is why I have been steadfast fast about the need for a replacement facility," he said. 

Sheriff Labat responds to Fulton County Jail vote

The sheriff renewed his call for a new jail just days after county commissioners voted to spend $300 million renovating the Rice Street facility instead of spending nearly $2 billion on a new jail. 

"The idea that we might be in this facility for another two or three or five, maybe ten or 15 years, depending on what plan the county comes up with just does not solve all of the issues," said Colonel Curtis Clark from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. 

FIND OUT HOW EACH FULTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER VOTED

For more than a year, the jail has undergone renovations. The upgrades are known internally as "The Blitz." The sheriff says renovations are not the answer. The first housing pod that was renovated last year already has problems." 

"This project is really putting a band-aid on open-heart surgery," Sheriff Labat said. 

The sheriff’s concern is not just deteriorating conditions, but also an outdated design. 

Fulton County Commissioners vote on jail's future

For county commissioners, it comes down to cost. 

"There’s a way to do it without spending $2 billion of taxpayer money," said Chairman Robb Pitts from the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Since 2022, at least 30 inmates have died at the jail. The sheriff says in that same period his team found more than 4,000 homemade weapons that were created from light fixtures and other jail infrastructure. He says a new facility would all but eliminate the problem. 

PREVIOUS STORY: New $2B Fulton County Jail nixed, commissioners approve renovation plan

Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis released the following statement:  

"On July 10, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved a plan for our Jail that balances the safety and security of our detainees and staff with the financial needs of Fulton County Taxpayers. Simply put, renovating will result in a safer jail far faster than rebuilding, at a far lower cost. By comparison, analysis showed that a $1.7 billion jail would be among the most expensive jails in the nation, requiring a 25% tax hike, taking years to build. It would be irresponsible to continue wasting time studying an approach that is so out of balance with the needs of our community." 

"If we don't move toward the future with respect to not just how we treat people but the increase in technology, a forward-thinking process, people are going to continue to die," Sheriff Labat said. 

Fulton County Jail safety concerns

The sheriff says since June 1, there have been 10 stabbings at the jail and the deplorable conditions are currently the subject of a department of justice investigation. 

Overcrowding is one of the most significant issues. Inmates are often forced to sleep on the floor due to a lack of available beds, and personal space is virtually nonexistent, exacerbating stress and conflict within the population. The hygiene and sanitation standards at Fulton County Jail have also been widely criticized.

Almost one year ago, the Department of Justice launched a probe into the conditions of the jail after several deaths were reported.

Families of deceased inmates and advocacy groups have long called for federal intervention, arguing that local efforts to address the problems have been insufficient. 

A state Senate subcommittee also launched its own investigation in fall 2024.