March 15, 2024

Mr. Rodney B. Pigford, Branch Chief of Inspections

Jail and Prison Inspection Division
South Carolina Department of Corrections
Post Office Box 21787
Columbia, South Carolina 29221

Re: November 30, 2023 Inspection Report - Richland County Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center

Dear Mr. Pigford:

Please accept this letter as a formal response to the November 30, 2023 Inspection Report you provided
on December 19, 2023. On behalf of Richland County Council, I am pleased to share with you the steps
we have taken to remediate the non-compliant observations outlined in the report.

1005 – Definitions: (h) Holding Cells

If a person is to be detained longer than six (6) hours, he/she shall be transferred to a Type I or Type II
facility.

Finding: “Holding cells in the intake area are frequently used to house inmates for more than six hours for
observation etc. in violation of this Standard.”

Response: Richland County recognizes the importance of ensuring detainees are classified out of intake
within a six-hour time period. Currently Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) has an influx of
detainees with mental health issues that require close monitoring. This population of detainees may
require a uniquely quick response, depending on their condition. ASGDC has taken the position of
placing these detainees in intake for monitoring, until it can be established that they are not in mental
health crisis. ASGDC is actively moving forward with plans to create safe cells within Behavior Health
Unit (Mike) that will house detainees who may be in mental health crisis rather than having them in
intake. This project is part of the overall physical plant renovations in progress at ASGDC.

Additionally, bond hearings for crimes with victims only happen once a day, by design of the Magistrate
Judge and the Solicitor’s Office. In complying with Constitutional Victim’s Rights Amendments,
inherently Defendants who are charged with victim-based crimes may be kept in holding longer than
six hours, depending on their arrest time and the next time a bond hearing is set where victim
notification is required.

1005 – Definitions: (w) Direct Supervision

Officers work directly in housing units and provide frequent, non-scheduled observation of and personal
interaction with inmates.
Finding: “This facility was designed for operation with Direct Supervision Management. Due primarily to
staffing shortages Direct Supervision Management is not taking place. In some cases, one officer is
supervising two housing units.”

Response: Richland County recognizes the importance of creating a safe and secure environment at
ASGDC for detention officers and detainees located in housing units, along with establishing and
maintaining safety protocols that help mitigate security breaches. There is a national staffing crisis that
is affecting detention and correction facilities across South Carolina. Richland County is not unique in
facing this crisis. However, Richland County is unique in the number and variety of initiatives it has
implemented in addressing the staffing shortage. Richland County has previously shared the details of
its recruitment and retention plan for ASGDC, to include: a fulltime dedicated recruiter, Implementing
on the spot hiring (contingent on successful background screenings), Increasing the minimum starting
salary from $32,000 to $36,500 to $40,000, to approximately $45,000, Implementing a $1,000 employee
referral bonus, Implementing a $5,000 new hire bonus, Implementing a $5,000 retention bonus,
Implementing a $2,000/month stipend for Detention Officers classified as Exempt, Implementing a pay
plan that rewards years of continuous service, Implementing a pay plan that rewards education and
certification attainment, Implementing a pay plan that pays for performance and anticipates an annual
percentage increase, Implementing a pay plan that allows detention supervisors previously classified
as FLSA-Exempt to earn overtime wages, and Contracting for additional security staff through an
agreement with Allied Universal.

The creation of a secured control room within each housing unit will allow ASGDC staff to safely operate
and warehouse security cameras and cell door electronic management controls within the unit. This
will increase the safety and security of officers and detainees within the housing unit, by physically
preventing available access to security equipment that only staff should have access to. Richland
County’s plan anticipates staffing a person to manage each control room and separately assigning a
detention officer to monitor the housing unit. Richland County believes adding a secured control room
within each housing unit will enhance officer and detainee safety.

1021 - Manual of Policies and Procedures

Each facility shall have a written manual of all policies and procedures for the operation of the facility.
Each policy and procedure should be reviewed annually and updated as needed. Documentation of these
reviews shall be maintained. These policies and procedures shall be made readily available to all
personnel.

Finding: “Policies and procedures need to be reviewed and updated to reflect current operations at the
facility. This should be done on a regular ongoing basis, and documentation should be retained as to all
dates when the policies/procedures were reviewed.”

Response: ASGDC policies are undergoing review by the Facility Manager/Detention Center Director.
Policies that have been reviewed and approved by the Detention Center Director have been forward to
the ASGDC Training Administrator to conduct training with staff. All policies will be loaded into and
maintained in PowerDMS. All detention officers have access to policies through PowerDMS. Policies
will be regularly reviewed, at least on an annual basis. ASGDC Compliance Director Lipscomb provided
SCDC Inspector(s) with access to the detention center’s PowerDMS site for the purpose of reviewing
the policies and procedures as they are updated.
1022 - Emergency Pre-Planning
Each facility shall have current written procedures to be followed in emergency situations.

Finding: “Policies and procedures need to be reviewed and updated to reflect current operations at the
facility. This should be done on a regular ongoing basis, and documentation should be retained as to all
dates when the policies/procedures were reviewed.”

Response: All emergency situations will be addressed initially by utilizing the Incident Command System
methodology, after which the policies/procedures on PowerDMS will be followed. These
policies/procedures will be reviewed and updated on a continuous basis in PowerDMS with staff
interaction.

1031 – Number of Personnel

(a) The Facility Administrator shall designate a Facility Manager qualified by training and experience to
supervise staff and inmates.

Finding: “The facility operated for a lengthy period without a recognized Detention Director and is
currently once again operating with an Interim Director.”
Response: On August 4, 2023, Compliance Division Director Blake Taylor, Jr. was notified in writing
that Mr. Crayman Harvey had been designated as the Facility Manager/Detention Director.
(b) Each facility shall have sufficient personnel to provide twenty-four (24) hour supervision and
processing of inmates, to arrange full coverage of all Identified security posts, and to accomplish
essential support functions.

Finding: “The facility is continuing, of necessity, to encumber overtime for existing employees; and, even
then, staff coverage is inadequate. Additional personnel need to be authorized and funded to enable
proper facility operation, and recruitment and retention of employees must also be improved. At the time
of the inspection, several housing units were closed due to the staffing shortage or repairs.”

Response: While we have experienced improvements in hiring detention officers, Richland County is
experiencing the same challenges with recruiting and retaining detention personnel as similarly
situated law enforcement agencies locally, regionally, and nationally. The Facility Administrator/County
Administrator approved additional personnel for ASGDC and Richland County Council authorized
funding to enable proper facility operation and recruitment and retention of employees. No housing
units are closed due to staffing shortages. Any housing unit that is closed at this time is solely for the
purpose of being renovated.

(d) A staffing analysis (using NIC Staffing Analysis Workbook or other industry recognized plan) shall be
conducted to determine facility staffing needs. The staffing analysis shall be reviewed annually and
updated as needed.

Finding: “A current Staffing Analysis is needed. The latest Staffing Analysis was conducted years ago and
does not reflect current operations at the facility.”

Response: On April 13, 2023 Richland County communicated to the Compliance Division Director Blake
Taylor, Jr in writing that it had requested a Staffing Needs Assessment be performed by the South
Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC), as a qualified third-party. The latest Staffing Analysis was
performed by SCAC staff on 10-26-2023.

1035 – In-Service Training

All non-security personnel shall be required to complete in-service training which has been approved by
the Facility Manager. All security personnel shall successfully complete required in-service training of no
less than forty (40) hours each year. This training shall be approved by the South Carolina Criminal Justice
Academy.

Response: The recommended training topics have been incorporated into ASGDC’s training program. I
have attached a sample of the training acknowledgement forms for your review. All non-security
personnel receive 16 hours of in-service training, which is approved by the Facility Manager, in
compliance with the standard. And, all security personnel receive 40 hours of in-service training to
include the topics outlined in the inspection report.

1063 – Key Control

(d) An inventory and log of all keys shall be made at the beginning of each shift.

Finding: “Key control procedures has improved somewhat since the previous inspection. However, staff
training on daily logging of keys issued and returned, and accountability of keys held by individual Officers,
is needed.”

Response: ASGDC Key Control has been reviewed by management, and the previous process has been
changed. A new process has been established that places Key Control under the purview of Central
Control. Detention personnel are being trained on proper key control and logging procedures during
shift briefing, and any deviation is reported to the proper supervisor. A copy of the Key Control Policy
and Key Inventory Log Form has been provided to SCDC.

1065 – Facility Security

b) All security locks and doors shall be regularly inspected and operated (by remote and manual means)
form both the interior and exterior of the doors to ensure proper working order at all times including in
emergency situations.

Finding: “Some of the cell and passage door locks in Phase III (and elsewhere in the facility) are
malfunctioning and need to be repaired or replaced.

Response: ASGDC has previously shared its plan to renovate all the locks within each housing unit. It is
unfortunate that some of the detainees housed in ASGDC do not treat the housing unit with the
appropriate level of care and concern that would allow for a routinely clean and fully functional housing
unit. Far too often, ASGDC is being required to repair cell doors and repetitively replace locks that are
malfunctioning due to detainees intentionally compromising the locking mechanism. In an effort to
better prevent detainees from causing the cell locks to malfunction in any unit, each housing unit will
have its pneumatic locks removed and replaced with an upgraded locking mechanism known as the
Willo Wedge locking system. This renovation project is already well underway with lock replacements
completed in five (5) housing units. So far, 252 locks have been fully upgraded out of the 448 locks
scheduled to be removed and replaced, representing a 56% project completion rate. With only four (4)
housing units remaining in this initial lock renovation project, Richland County is excited about the
progress of this safety and security initiative.

1082 - Classification Categories

(a) The facility provides for the separate management of the following categories of inmates in accordance
with the facility's classification plan: female and male inmates, sentenced and non-sentenced inmates,
other classes of detainees (i.e., witnesses, informants, and protective custody inmates) community
custody inmates (work releasees, weekenders, trusties), inmates requiring disciplinary detention, inmates
requiring administrative separation, juvenile detainees, Other categories that may pose a security
problem which include but are not limited to: high profile cases; geriatric inmates; sexual deviants; sex
offenders; predators; and inmates undergoing sex changes.

(b) Female inmates shall be afforded the same rights and privileges as male inmates.

Finding: “Pretrial and sentenced female inmates are being housed together in violation of this Standard;
[and] Due to the fact that all female inmates (both sentenced and pre-trial) are housed in the same living
unit, they are not being afforded the same privileges as the male inmates are.”

Response: As a part of ongoing renovations, ASGDC has designated two housing units (Delta & Juliet)
for the female population. ASGDC will follow established security protocols to prevent any interaction
between pretrial and sentenced female inmates, as mentioned in the inspection report.

2012 – Rated Capacity

The Director of the Jail and Prison Inspection Division shall ascertain the maximum number of inmates, of
whatever classifications, based upon square footage and other relevant requirements that can properly
be housed in each facility and in the various living areas within each facility. After determining the rated
capacity, the Director shall notify, in writing, the Facility Manager, the Facility Administrator, and the
governing body which has responsibility for the facility. These numbers shall be reviewed annually.

Finding: “Two former housing units, T-1 and T-2 have not been utilized for housing in several years and
there are no plans to use this building for housing in the future, so these two housing units have been
removed from the official rated capacity of the facility.”

Response: On April 17, 2023, Compliance Division Director Blake Taylor, Jr. was notified in writing that
Richland County acknowledged the loss of bed space in Tango Unit, as the unit would be remodeled to
establish an Attorney-Client Visitation Center. This renovation project will significantly increase the
safety and security of visits for both attorneys and detainees. Attorneys who want to visit their clients
in person will no longer have to enter into a housing unit, with multiple detainees present in the same
space. Detainees will be able to have confidential discussions with their attorneys. The center will have
non-contact visit rooms and contact visit rooms, and they will be designed to be ADA accessible.

2014-1 – Special Purpose Cells

Each facility shall have at least one (1) special-purpose cell or room that is designed to prevent injury to
an inmate who is under the influence ort alcohol or narcotics, or for inmates who are uncontrollably
violent or self-destructive. This room shall be subject to staff observation or be continuously monitored
by camera from a twenty-four (24) hour staff prison.
Finding: “The male Special Purpose cell(s) are in Housing Unit P (Poppa). Construction of the cell(s)­to-
dayroom separation (walls} are primarily glass or Lexan and provide direct sight from a twenty-four (24)
hour staff position. All female inmates are now housed in Unit X. Inmates housed for Special Purpose
reasons (suicide watch, etc.) are placed in cells in this unit that do not provide staff observation or be
continuously monitored by camera from a twenty-four (24) hour staff position.”

Response: ASGDC is currently fully renovating both units Papa and X-Ray. Male inmates that under the
guidelines of special purpose cells are housed in the Behavior Health Unit, Unit Mike, Intake, or the
Behavior Management Unit (BMU). The indicated units are staff accordingly.

2014-2 – Fire Codes

The facility conforms to applicable federal, state, and/or local building and fire safety codes. Compliance
is documented by the authority having jurisdiction. A fire alarm and automatic smoke detection system
are required, as approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Reports of periodic inspections and any
actions taken in respect to those inspections must be available. The authority having jurisdiction in South
Carolina is the State Fire Marshal.

Finding: “Several items that were noted by the Deputy State Fire Marshal need to be addressed.
The fire apparatus access road that encircles the complex needs to be maintained to be accessible in all
weather conditions as per the requirements of the South Carolina Fire Code, Sections 503.2.1 through
503.2.8.”

Response: ASGDC has listed the fire apparatus access road on its capital projects list to be budgeted for
repair and maintenance. Responses to the Inspection from the Office of State Fire Marshal are included
as attachments to this letter.

2014-7 – Security
The facility has adequate exits that are properly positioned, unobstructed, and distinctly and permanently
marked to ensure the timely evacuation of inmates and staff in the event of fire or other emergencies.
Exits should be provided to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors. All exits should be kept clear
and free of obstructions and maintained in a usable condition. They should lead directly to a hazard free
area where adequate supervision can be provided.

Finding: “Several security issues were noted during the inspection as follows: Lack of lighting in bathrooms
presents a security hazard to inmates (i.e..: contact with other inmates, safety hazard due to slips/falls,
etc.), Female inmates in one of the housing units stated that a male inmate had entered the housing unit
through the ceiling. This must be investigated in order to identify and seal a possible security breach.,
Inmates in several housing units reported that the Count, which is scheduled for certain times during the
day was being conducted by an inmate due to the absence of an officer on the unit, presumedly due to
staffing shortages.”

Response: 1) ASGDC is fully renovating all housing units to include replacing old light fixtures with new
lighting units. 2) All housing units have been checked by staff and any deficiencies/breach of security
have been repaired by the onsite contractor. Additionally, a second layer of fencing has been installed
on the perimeter of ASGDC. Detention Center personnel conduct the Count, we do not have inmate
workers performing security work.
2014-16 – Toilets
Inmates have access to toilets and hand-washing facilities twenty-four (24} hours per day and are able to
use toilet facilities without staff assistance when they are confined in their cells/sleeping areas. Toilets
are provided at a minimum ratio of one (1) for every twelve (12) inmates in male facilities, and one (1) for
every eight (8) inmates in female facilities. Urinals may be substituted for up to one-half of the toilets in
male facilities. All housing units with three (3) or more inmates have a minimum of two (2) toilets.

Finding: The Phase V addition to the facility has sub­housing units that are designed for eight (8) inmates
but contain only one (1) toilet. It was noted that in several housing units other than Phase V) there were
missing or damaged toilets, and at least one unit that housed females contained urinals, which cannot be
used by females or included in the ratio of inmates to toilets requirement in Standards.

Response: ASGDC is fully renovating the housing units to include new toilets. New toilets will replace
missing or damaged toilets in each unit, as necessary.

2014-23 – Indoor Air Quality

Ventilation system(s) is/are in compliance with the applicable Standard Mechanical Code and standard
Building Codes or portions thereof adopted by the State of South Carolina. Forced air circulation of at
least ten (10) cubic feet per minute of fresh or purified air per inmate.

Finding: “Air flow in several housing units in Phase I and in the Main Control Room was inadequate.
Repairs or adjustment are needed.”

Response: ASGDC staff notified the Operational Services Department of the noted concern.
Operational Services performed an assessment, in conjunction with an HVAC contractor, in order to
locate and remediate any identified areas of concern.

2014-40 - Maintenance
All portions of existing buildings, both interior and exterior, are maintained in such manner that
structural strength, stability, sanitation, indoor air quality, and safety of life and property are free from
fire and other hazards. Repairs and upkeep are provided to ensure public safety, health, and general
welfare.

Finding: “Numerous maintenance related violations were noted during the building tour.”
Response: Richland County recognizes that deferred maintenance has resulted in the need for repairs
and replacements at ASGDC. The full renovation of each housing unit will address the concerns noted
in this section of the report.

2072 – Laundry
Inmate clothing, whether personal or institutional, shall be exchanged and cleaned at least twice weekly
unless work, climatic conditions, or illness necessitate more frequent exchange.
Finding: “Laundering of inmate uniforms etc. are occurring once a week in violation of this standard.”

Response: ASGDC launders inmate uniforms more than once a week. Laundry is routinely done three
(3) times per week.
2074 – Personal Care Items
Each inmate detained longer than twenty-four (24) hours shall be provided the following items, as
appropriate: Toothbrush, Toothpaste or tooth powder, Soap, Shaving implements, Comb, Feminine
hygiene items (if female). Inmates may be required to purchase personal care items. However, basic
hygiene items shall be provided to indigent inmates by the facility.

Finding: “Personal hygiene items were said to not be available at all times. When these items were
available damaged or missing plumbing fixtures or improper lighting etc. in the bathrooms made use of
the items was difficult.”

Response: Scheduled renovations for the facility will address lighting and plumbing issues. Indigent
persons needing Personal Care Items need only to follow the established procedure -the commissary
kiosk- for requesting an indigent packet and one will be provided to qualifying requestors.
3003 – Vermin, Insects, and Pests
Each facility shall have a regularly scheduled program of pest and vermin control and extermination.
Effective measures shall be taken to keep flies, rodents, and other vermin out of the confinement facility
and to prevent their breeding or continued presence on the premises. The facility shall be kept neat,
clean, and free of litter.

Finding: “This situation appeared to be greatly improved since the last inspection However, continued
focus needs to be maintained on this issue.”
Response: Richland County has developed and implemented a plan for the maintenance and upkeep
of ASGDC, to promote an acceptable level of cleanliness and sanitation throughout the facility.
Mr. Pigford, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share with you the level of care and attention
that Richland County is showing towards the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. We believe that our
improvement efforts will help foster a more safe and secure environment within the facility. I assure you
that Richland County remains committed to comprehensively improving Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

I look forward to continuing to work with you.

Sincerely,

Leonardo Brown, MBA, CPM

County Administrator

cc: Patrick Wright, County Attorney

Crayman Harvey, Facility Manager/Detention Director
James Lipscomb, Compliance Director

Enclosures
Responses to Office of State Fire Marshal Inspection Report Dated 12/07/2023
#1: All dorms are part of renovation project, ceiling tiles to be replaced as unit renovation is completed.
#2: Will comply, records are maintained on site and will be uploaded into PowerDMS system.
#3: Boxes removed and staff told not to use as storage space, will be inspected by security staff daily.
#4: Fire safety and evacuation plans are currently being addressed by ASGDC executive staff and
incorporated into training program, to include a plan for unstaffed units.
#5: Plan will be completed by ASGDC executive staff and uploaded into PowerDMS system.
#6: Fire safety training will be completed in Pre-service as well as annual In-service training for all staff.
#7: Will be completed by ASGDC executive staff and uploaded into PowerDMS system.
#8: Will comply and forward for approval.
9#: Fire drills were/have been conducted and documentation completed.
10#: The switch covers for Phase 3 {G, H, I, J) have been ordered per PO# P200263. All other areas in the
facility are being repaired when the renovation of a dorm is being done. All outlets in Unit Papa have
been repaired.
11#: The Juvenile fire panel is marked and labeled on the fire panel itself and the breaker that is in panel
XJLA.
12#: Corrected on the spot.
13#: Corrected.
14#: Records were located on premises. The fire hood was inspected by Carolina Fire & Safety on Feb
26th 2024, the next inspection is the annual inspection of all fire safety equipment scheduled for August
2024.
15#: Documentation is maintained in accreditation/maintenance records on site.
16#: Fire doors are scheduled to be repaired or replaced.
17#: Bid out for inspection/service/replaced. Operational Services is managing this maintenance
initiative using a third-party contractor. Records are maintained in accreditation files.
18#: Central Control has been advised that the Watch Commander (W/C) in charge of the shift will clear
all alarms, not the control room officer. If cleared and unable to be reset, Maintenance as well as
Honeywell will be contacted and advised of the situation. Onsite staff will then be told what to do to
clear and reset the system.
19#: All sprinklers were inspected/cleaned, inspection report attached. A purchase order has been
created for additional sprinkler head replacements to be stored on grounds.
20#: Sprinkler inspection report attached.
21#: Sprinkler inspection report attached. All sprinklers inspected and cleaned or replaced.
22#: Maintenance records are in PowerDMS. The fire hood in the kitchen was inspected on Feb 26, 2024
with no deficiencies noted.
23#: Carolina Fire & Safety is checking to see what placard(s) are need for this requirement.
24#: Comment A; fire extinguisher installed.
Comment B; fire extinguisher installed.
25#: The Class K extinguisher has been replaced.
26#: The fire alarm reports are attached and will be uploaded to PowerDMS system.
27#: The smoke control testing is noted on the fire alarm inspection reports that all smoke removal was
tested during inspection. All fans and dampers worked during the previous inspection. If there was a
failure it would be noted and repaired.
28#: The exit signs for juvenile facility that was noted on the report was fixed on 12/21/2023. Unit Papa
exit signs inside the dorm have been replaced and are working. We have the replacement exit signs
onsite and when a dorm is being renovated they will be changed out.
29#: The curtain will be removed. The building is not used to house detainees.
30#: The monthly inspection reports for the generators are located at each generator room. The reports
are attached, and they will be uploaded to PowerDMS System.