The US Marshals Service (USMS) has removed approximately 200 inmates from the DC jail following an unannounced inspection that recently revealed poor conditions.
The inmates have been transferred to a federal penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
In early November, The Washington Post reported on the surprise inspection by USMS that found unsanitary living conditions and “systemic” mistreatment at the facility, which includes the denial of food and water as a punishment.
Among other revelations of the inspection report are clogged toilets and flooding.
“The USMS inspection was prompted by recent and historical concerns raised regarding conditions at the DC DOC facilities, including those recently raised by various members of the judiciary,” the Marshals Service said, acknowledging that conditions at the facilities do not meet the minimum standards of confinement according to the Federal Performance-Based Detention Standards.
The transfers started in the week of November 8. However, some inmates who remain at the DC jail are awaiting court trials, while others couldn’t be transferred due to medical issues.
In the wake of the inspection, the District and USMS signed a “memorandum of understanding” to address the conditions in DC jail.
As per the agreement, the marshals service and Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration will evaluate conditions at the facility in a collaborative effort to develop a plan addressing the issues. USMS will regularly report on the jail’s progress on implementing required measures.
“We all agree: everyone who is in our jail or under our supervised care should be treated humanely and have safe conditions,” Bowser said after the memorandum. “We appreciate this collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service and are ready to utilize the necessary resources, both federal and local, to improve conditions and address any deficiencies at our DOC facilities.”
District Reaches Deal With US Marshals Service on DC Jail Conditions