Jail Lashed By Sullivan Grand Jury
Sullivan county circuit court grand jury, renewing a plea that is becoming ancient, today recommended abandonment of the present Sullivan county jail and construction of a new structure large enough to accommodate the county’s jail population and to “provide some semblance of comfort for the inmates.”
The full text of the grand jury’s report:
“We have visited the county poor farm and thoroughly inspected the rooms of the inmates, talked with them and also inspected the kitchens, dining rooms, and all out houses connected with the farm establishment. We found the buildings and rooms clean and in a sanitary condition. The inmates seemed to be contented and praised the amount and condition of the food. We heartily commend Mr. Carter in the way and manner he conducts the business of running the institution.
“We have visited the county jail and made a thorough investigation. The building is in a run down and deplorable condition and in some instances complete windows are missing from their places, giving the prisoners no protection from wind, rain, and other ‘weather conditions. The cells are too small to accommodate even the number of men who are now imprisoned, but we were told by the jailer that the average number of prisoners is almost, if not twice as many as the number now in keeping.
One Toilet For 14 Men
“The odors from the kitchen smell unlike food; the walls are black and dirty; in the cage on the second floor there was one wash basin for about fourteen men; one toilet, and one wash tub that seemed to be a poor excuse for a place to bathe; we were told that the cells, bed clothes, and walls were infested with vermin of all kinds, in general everything we found we earnestly believe was so filthy, and out of date it would tend to breed criminals, rather than reform. We, however, do not blame the keepers for we believe they are doing as well as anyone could do under the circumstances and conditions.
Disgrace To The County’s Good Name
“Believing as we do; that the present jail is a disgrace to the good name and government of Sullivan county, or to any government providing places of safe keeping for criminals and violators of our laws:
“First: We recommend that,the present building be abandoned and a new building erected; a building large enough to accommodate all those who may be confined and one so constructed as to provide some semblance of ‘comfort for the inmates.
“Second: We request that the newspapers of Kingsport, Tenn, and Bristol, Tenn., make investigations, take pictures, and publish editorials and articles in order that their finds might be placed before the citizens of Sullivan county and that they may know the facts and become aroused to the extent that this deplorable condition may be corrected.
“We have inspected the courthouse and have found ‘it in fair condition.
“We have examined the records of the county court clerk and in our opinion the records, bonds, etc., are in excellent condition, with the exception of the bond of Mrs. Ollie Foram Dancy, dated August 6, 1940. This bond has not been signed by the county judge as ever having been approved in open court.
“We recommend that Mr. Chase, the county superintendent of schools, be provided with a complete system of files suitable for the needs of his office and duties.”
The report was signed by: Albert Morton, foreman, Boyd E. Ritter, J. Frank Nelson, A. C. Vires, H. R. Kilgore, C. G. Willey, G. D. Gaines, J. A. Neil, Robert W. Coleman, W. S. King, W. F. Flanary, D. W. Moffitt, and Charlie Jones.
