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In 1996, the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice notified Washington County, Maryland that the Department intended to investigate the county's Detention Center for unconstitutional jail conditions. The DOJ was particularly concerned with inadequate suicide prevention at the Detention Center but also with overcrowding and unsanitary conditions; inadequate medical care, nutrition, and opportunities for exercise; lack of access to the courts; physical and verbal abuse by staff; and failure to respond to inmate grievances.
In 1997, following the investigation, the DOJ notified the President of the Board of its findings and made recommendations regarding suicide prevention, medical care, opportunities for outdoor exercise, hygiene in intake, sanitation in the female housing unit, and access to the courts. It appears that the Attorney General did not file suit against the Detention Center, so there was never a court proceeding.
Summary Authors
Lauren Cutson (5/19/2005)
Patrick, Deval L. (District of Columbia)
Peabody, Arthur E. Jr. (District of Columbia)
Rosenbaum, Steven H. (District of Columbia)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 2:30 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: Maryland
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
United States Department of Justice
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Washington County Detention Center (Hagerstown, Washington), County
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq.
Special Case Type(s):
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General:
Access to lawyers or judicial system
Food service / nutrition / hydration
Sanitation / living conditions
Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:
Medical/Mental Health:
Type of Facility: