11/3 NEWSBREAK: Justice Department investigating deaths at Charleston, Columbia jails

In a story that is making national headlines, the U.S. Justice Department says it is investigating jails in Richland County and Charleston County after several deaths are believed to have resulted from use of force, medical neglect and assaults by inmates.

“Based on an extensive review of information that is publicly available or that we have received from stakeholders, we find significant justification to open these investigations now,” said U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke.

The investigations are an answer to the calls of local advocates and politicians who have increasingly decried the conditions at both facilities and requested a federal investigation, which can identify systematic issues and impose broad reforms.

The department’s civil rights division cites eight recent deaths at the Al Cannon Detention Center in North Charleston and six at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia.

The investigation of the Al Cannon Detention Center will focus on access to medical and mental health care, the use of solitary confinement and the use of force by staff, while the investigation into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center will examine whether the jail failed to protect incarcerated people from violence and subjects incarcerated people to dangerous living conditions at the jail.

In a statement, Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano reminded that her office encouraged an investigation in March.

“I stand behind the work of my employees,” she said. “They are the hardest-working people in this county. The work that they do keeps us all safe. I will be the first person to welcome any member of the Department of Justice to my facility, and I believe that we are going above and beyond our call of duty to provide assistance on mental health concerns. I also invite the elected officials of South Carolina to do their job and do their part to stop the dumping of the mentally ill in jails.”

In City Paper news today:

CP OPINION: Don’t fall for election shenanigans. “You can see these tactics in local races in surreptitious messages from people who purportedly support the right-wing extremists in the local Moms For Liberty group. Rather than publicly backing candidates, they use texts that say “we are only allowed to endorse school board candidates. But I can tell you who the conservative candidates are.” And then they proceed to share names of candidates, all under the veil of texts.”

CP CARTOONS:

CP COVER/FOOD: Rodizio-style restaurants bring authentic Brazilian culture to Charleston. Charleston is familiar with rodizio-style dining, with places like Galpao Gaucho opening in 2020 and Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse, but the style of dining has deep roots in Brazil. Other CP FOOD stories:

CP NEWS: Charleston Literary Festival to embrace conversations Nov. 3-12. This year’s theme for the major 10-day festival is “embrace the conversation.” It’s an intentional effort by the festival’s organizers to provide authors and panel discussions who will engage with audiences, answer questions and get beyond normal literary fare.

CP NEWS: Lanxess chemicals still raising concerns. The Lanxess chemical plant in Charleston’s Neck Area has reduced emissions over the last four years, but the output of ethylene oxide still raises concerns for some community members.

CP NEWS: James Island tract up in the air. The 6.5-acre public tract next to the Whitehouse Plantation neighborhood is under contract to a developer, but the deal hasn’t been closed since the town rejected rezoning permits that would have allowed development to start.

CP NEWS: BEE Collective to host maternal justice event in Charleston. The Beloved Early Education and Care (BEE) Collective is hosting a weekend event starting today to socially and emotionally prepare children for kindergarten, provide tools to navigate maternal health and early care systems, reduce mental health stigma and build resilient families.

In other news:

S.C. justices want more info on lethal injection drug before widespread use. The S.C. Supreme Court isn’t ready to allow the state to restart executions after more than 12 years until they hear more arguments about newly obtained lethal injection drugs as well as the firing squad and electric chair.

43% of S.C. homes struggle to afford basics, study finds. A new study shows that, despite having earnings above the poverty level, more than 500,000 households in South Carolina are earning less than the basic cost of living in their community.

Charleston leaders plan to improve Johns Island traffic. Officials with the city of Charleston and Charleston County have announced a $30 million project to address traffic concerns on Johns Island.

New Charleston police chief shares vision for the future. Charleston Police Department Chief of Police Chito Walker was officially sworn in Wednesday and shared his vision for the future of the department.

Charleston Co. goes automated for non-emergency calls. The Charleston County Consolidated Emergency Communications Center’s non-emergency line will now be fully automated.