ATLANTA – State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and David Wilkerson (D-Powder Springs) hosted the first of a series of virtual town hall meetings on the state of Georgia jails on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. During this initial meeting, the legislators heard from those who have lost family members in Georgia jails, as well as addressed the need to have greater accountability to prevent future deaths.
“At the end of the day, we must provide access to mental health services for people who come in contact with the criminal justice system,” said Rep. Schofield. “We must give law enforcement officers the tools they need to identify and respond to mental health issues in the community by creating meaningful legislation to address funding, accountability and transparency.”
During this first virtual meeting, the legislators discussed accountability and oversight, and determined ways to set deadlines on the release of documents when an internal investigation is older than 60 to 90 days. Panelists also discussed how parents should be notified in a timely manner about the care of their loved ones who are incarcerated. These legislators were joined by Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens and Timothy Gardner, who is a personal injury attorney.
“It doesn’t make sense for people who have mental health conditions, who can benefit more from treatment and intensive supervision, to end up incarcerated,” said Rep. Scott. “We must invest in mental health treatment facilities.”
After this initial meeting, these legislators believe Georgia jails and prison systems have not been properly designed to support mental health. The legislators also believe that law enforcement officers should not have to put their lives or others at risk when they are called to intervene in a mental health crisis. They also determined that law enforcement may not be adequately equipped and staffed to medically deal with inmates who may be dealing with mental health issues.
“Today’s conversation only confirmed that there is much work to be done, and we are ready to do it,” said Rep. Wilkerson.
These legislators plan to hold additional town hall meetings to discuss the need for improved mental health services in local jails and call for increased funding from the state.
To watch a Facebook live stream recording of the meeting, please click here.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves on the Health & Human Services, Interstate Cooperation, Information and Audits and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She was first elected to the House Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Science and Technology and Special Rules committees.
Representative David Wilkerson represents the citizens of District 38, which includes portions of Cobb County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as House Minority Whip. He also serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Juvenile Justice, Ethics, Rules, Retirement and Science and Technology committees.
###