RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond City Justice Center is facing a compliance plan in response to concerns over inmate death investigations that revealed issues with regulatory standards. The Board of Local and Regional Jails (BOLRJ) found that the Richmond City Jail consistently failed to adhere to state standards governing inmate supervision. Among the standards were requirements for jail officers to conduct regular security inspections of inmate housing areas, document all inspections and unusual incidents, and ensure unobstructed views of inmates and housing areas.
An investigation revealed that statements made by Richmond Sheriff Antionette Irving regarding the jail’s compliance with supervision protocols were contradicted by the Board’s findings. Over the course of a year, the jail reported five inmate deaths, with four of them occurring within a five-month period. In response, Irving cited security challenges, deputy shortages, and drug issues as contributing factors. However, three of the inmate death investigations identified supervision violations. The causes of death for two of the inmates were confirmed to be drug overdoses involving fentanyl. Family members of the deceased raised concerns about the safety protocols inside the jail.
In an effort to address these violations, the BOLRJ approved a compliance plan for the Richmond City Justice Center. The plan includes actions such as implementing an automated system to record and document security rounds, conducting internal audits, and training officers on the consequences of forging public records. Irving acknowledged the need for additional training and record-keeping accuracy, stating that they are in the process of meeting the board’s expectations and requirements. She has also submitted her action plan, which is pending review by the board.
However, Irving’s action plan did not address the underlying factors contributing to the violations, as requested by the board. The board did not officially establish a connection between the cited violations and the cause of inmate deaths. Despite this, a subsequent inmate death was reported in October, with no further information provided by the Richmond Sheriff’s Office. Depend on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for in-depth coverage of this important local story. Anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.