George B. Rhynes 11 May 2004
605 ½ East Hill Ave
Valdosta, Georgia 31605
TO: District Attorney David Miller
Valdosta, Georgia 31601
I received letter and notarized statement signed by eleven citizens (inmates) of the “United States of America” incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail--- post dated, 11 August 2003.
“Minister Rhynes, please help us--- we need an outside agency to come into this jail, and help us! We have exhausted all avenues at our level. If you can find it in your heart--- we will appreciate it! Enclosed you will find copies of statements concerning an incident that occurred in Lowndes County Jail on the morning of July 23, 2003, at 8:30. Needless to say --- this incident has been conveniently swept under the rug.”
I have requested help from the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, The Lowndes Grand Jury Chairman, and each member. However, they have chosen to ignore our request for a written response. These requests have been documented for future reference. I am sure you understand the foundation of a free society wherein citizens ----have a right to be heard in our form of government.
Excerpts from the four- (4) pages of inmates statement!
- “On 23 July 2003, at 8-8:30 AM a deputy pulled out a pistol like object, and waved it around before aiming squarely at an inmate. We had trouble getting this statement notarized by jail official (I am not signing a damn thing---name withheld). Officers routinely taunt and agitate inmates. No one will listen to us; it is cruel to keep a man in cell B1, without ventilation and no air conditioning. We need help from an outside agency – please help us Minister Rhynes. We have exhausted all our avenues.”
QUESTION TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY: DAVID MILLER
1. Is “The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and procedure Manual” kept up to date? When was the last time it was reviewed by the State—if required? Where can citizens checkout this “Manual?”
2. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? Where has this been documented if required?
3. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated--- who ensures that corrections be made. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?
4. When was the last Federal, State, County, or City inspection done on the Lowndes County Jail? Is there any requirement for these agencies to perform such inspection? If so, what was the rating? Where are they filed? Are they made available to the General Public?
5. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey --- been conducted by questioning the entire jail population ----of jail inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated).
6. What have you done as District Attorney --- to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Laws?
7. Who educates the members of the Grand Jury on what to check for--- during their tour of the jail? Do they use a checklist---- provided by the Federal, State or County during their tour of the Jail?
8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and his/her assistance ---- given the proper guidelines for reviewing the County Jail? Is the report from the Grand Jury, worth the paper that it is written on?
9. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated IAW, Federal, State Law and Local Policies if applicable?
10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the established Complaint system? Has any type survey been conducted to insure this is not the case?
11. Is there a requirement for Medical Staff at the jail ---to be inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so by whom---and how often?
11. Are you familiar with an old “Civil Action #89-54-VAL, U. S. District Court of Middle Georgia, Valdosta Division? Who was responsible for complying with this Court Order---- and Consent Decree? Who insured that all discrepancies were fixed permanently---- that the county would not be guilty of not complying with the decree?
LASTLY: As a Retired Disabled Veterans of the United States Air force, Minister of truth, Single Parent, Business Owner, Community Organizer, concerned citizen, and frustrated over the continued prolong alleged, inhuman, unsanitary, and abusive conditions that exists within our community:
a. Request a written reply to this letter. As to what you will do to assist these, eleven- (11), inmates—and aid, in an investigation of this alleged incident. Which appears to be quite serious because a weapon is said to have been involved (Lowndes County Jail)?
b. In addition, whose responsibility is it to insure that these inmates will not be abused because they requested outside help? Thanks, on behalf of those who requested outside assistance in their dilemma.
GEORGE B. RHYNES
Retired United States Armed Forces Veteran
A concerned citizen, seeking to help eleven (11) citizens! ( I do not know)
PS: Copies of letters, and notarized statements with names blotched out were given to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners. (Letters dated 24 July 2003.
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