Justice Department Finds Constitutional Violations at South Carolina Detention Center

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice has concluded that conditions at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia, South Carolina, violate the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. A comprehensive investigation, conducted by the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, revealed severe systemic issues endangering the safety of detainees at the facility, which houses approximately 965 individuals.
The investigation found that Richland County and the detention center have failed to ensure reasonable safety and protection for incarcerated individuals. The report detailed rampant violence, including assaults with weapons, attacks by multiple individuals on single victims, and incidents of sexual assault.
“Incarceration should not mean exposure to severe and pervasive violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. “Most individuals at Alvin S. Glenn are awaiting trial and have not been convicted of any crime. The jail has a constitutional duty to protect them from violence and harm. We urge Richland County to implement reforms to address these alarming conditions.”
U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina underscored the gravity of the findings, stating: “Conditions at the jail are a matter of life and death. Individuals accused of crimes should not face a de facto death sentence before their day in court. By addressing the outlined remedial measures, we believe meaningful change can be achieved.”
Key Findings from the Report
The investigation uncovered a pattern of systemic failures contributing to the jail’s dangerous environment:
- High Levels of Violence: In 2023 alone, at least 60 stabbings were reported. Gangs operate within the facility, exploiting detainees and contributing to frequent violent incidents.
- Contraband and Security Lapses: Weapons, drugs, and illicit cell phones are widespread, exacerbating gang activity and violence.
- Inadequate Staffing and Supervision: Chronic understaffing and poor prisoner supervision leave detainees vulnerable.
- Facility Deterioration: Aging infrastructure and poor internal investigations compound the safety risks.
The report noted that jail leadership is aware of these issues, which fall far below constitutional standards, yet significant improvements have not been made.
Legal and Remedial Actions
The investigation was conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), empowering the Attorney General to pursue court-ordered remedies for unconstitutional practices. The Justice Department has provided Richland County with written findings and a list of required reforms to address the violations.
While the Justice Department aims to work collaboratively with the county and jail to implement necessary changes, the findings could lead to federal litigation if progress is not made.
A Path Forward
The Justice Department emphasized its commitment to achieving a safer environment for both detainees and staff at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. “These findings are separate from any criminal cases brought by the department, and we remain focused on working toward a cooperative resolution,” the statement concluded.
Richland County officials have yet to publicly respond to the findings or indicate whether they will implement the recommended reforms.