Jerry Collins : Louisville Jail Reforms: Impact on Death Rates?

Jerry Collins recognized the urgent need for change when he assumed leadership of the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. The jail was grappling with an alarming increase in in-custody deaths, with 15 individuals losing their lives between late 2021 and mid-2023, including six individuals in just four months.

A damning investigation partly attributed the spike in deaths to the outdated infrastructure of the jail, describing the facility as “woefully inadequate” for monitoring inmates. However, Collins understood that addressing the issue required more than just structural changes. The culture within the department needed a transformation as well.

Over the past two years, Collins, as the jail’s executive director, has spearheaded a series of reforms aimed at reducing in-house drug use. He has prioritized the recruitment and training of top-notch officers to handle inmates in crisis more effectively. Additionally, he has engaged vocal critics in difficult yet crucial dialogues.

The outcome of these efforts has been significant: no deaths resulting from suicide or overdose in approximately a year. However, this streak came to an end in late May with the tragic passing of Richard Graham, a 34-year-old Louisville resident and father of young children, who passed away in custody due to a suspected overdose.

While the recent death serves as a reminder that more work is needed, it also underscores the success of many of the implemented reforms. Amber Duke, the executive director of the ACLU of Kentucky, reiterated the stance that an arrest should not equate to a death sentence.

Reforms to Combat Drug Trafficking and Overdoses in Louisville Metro Corrections

Preventing drugs from entering the jail has been an ongoing battle, with Collins identifying it as a top priority early on. Drug use has been a leading cause of in-custody deaths at Metro Corrections, with five fatalities attributed to fatal overdoses between November 2021 and January 2023.

“I’m not afraid of a gun. We’re going to find that every time,” Collins stated regarding contraband. “But just a small, penny-size amount of fentanyl can kill you. That’s the scary part. So we have to be diligent.”

Since January, the staff at Metro Corrections has intercepted 250 attempts to smuggle contraband into the facility. Last year, over 700 plots were thwarted by the department.

However, the methods of smuggling drugs into the jail have become increasingly inventive, necessitating frequent changes in procedures. When it was discovered that a significant portion of drugs were entering through physical mail, the facility transitioned to electronic delivery. Furthermore, drugs were found sewn into the lining of new inmates’ clothing, prompting a change in the booking policy to require individuals to change into standardized jumpsuits upon entry.

New security measures have also been introduced to curb the trafficking of drugs that manage to infiltrate the premises. Three full-body scanners are strategically placed across the facility, allowing inmates suspected of possessing contraband to be screened. Additionally, food tray slots in cells or dormitories are now secured to prevent the discreet transfer of illegal substances.

Despite these extensive efforts, drug smuggling attempts persist, as the potential rewards outweigh the risks, according to Collins. “It’s about four times more profitable (for a drug dealer) inside a facility than it is on the street,” he noted. Some individuals have even intentionally gotten arrested to sell drugs to fellow inmates, as per spokesperson Maor Jason Logsdon.

“There’s always going to be drugs in a jail. It’s just a fact of life,” Collins acknowledged. “It’s about doing everything we can to prevent them from entering and not being naive about their presence.”

Following the recent string of deaths, every dorm at the jail is now equipped with overdose-reversing medication Narcan, enabling both staff and inmates to administer it to individuals displaying signs of an overdose. Each dose of Narcan is equipped with an alarm system that alerts jail personnel upon utilization for swift intervention.

Reports suggest that the ready availability of Narcan has been highly effective. “We’ve had inmates save other inmates’ lives,” Logsdon shared.

In addition to intercepting contraband and preventing overdoses, Metro Corrections has bolstered programs to support inmates with substance use disorders. Currently, over 100 individuals are receiving medically assisted treatment for the disorder, and in-house initiatives focused on long-term recovery are also available.

Enhancing Inmate Quality of Life Beyond Mental Health Check-Ins

Mental health and well-being have emerged as major focal points following the occurrence of six suicides between November 2021 and May 2023.

The care begins at the booking stage, where each person undergoes a comprehensive mental health assessment. Individuals deemed high-risk are accommodated in cells with suicide-resistant bunks, receiving intensive monitoring from trained mental health professionals.

The facility has streamlined its inmate monitoring system for the general population as well. Instead of manual logs, staff now utilize a security monitoring system where officers scan their badge on an electronic pad outside each cell or dorm to confirm checks on the inmates inside. Typically, most areas are checked thrice per hour, with increased surveillance for higher-risk inmates.

In addition to mental health initiatives, Metro Corrections has dedicated efforts to enhancing the quality of life for inmates. Each inmate now has access to a smart tablet for virtual visits, messaging with family, and entertainment. Furthermore, inmates receive two complimentary phone calls daily to stay connected with loved ones.

In the atrium area, where individuals are housed based on low-risk classification, inmates take turns spending approximately seven hours in a large, multipurpose room equipped with video games, playing cards, and cornhole.

Director Collaborates with Critics for Progress

Since assuming the role of director, Collins has recognized the benefits of collaborating with advocacy groups behind the scenes to explore potential solutions and further reforms at the jail.

“One of the first things I did was engage community activists,” Collins shared, including representatives from organizations such as the ACLU and Black Lives Matter. “I brought them into the jail, laid out my challenges, and proposed a partnership approach. Focusing on jail issues equates to addressing community issues,” he emphasized.

Collins shared that Metro Corrections engaged with multiple advocacy groups to discuss the jail’s new medical contract with YesCare and invited them to participate in quarterly meetings with him and the jail staff.

Following Graham’s recent passing, Duke from the ACLU of Kentucky stressed that efforts to prevent in-custody deaths must extend beyond Metro Corrections. City leaders must enhance community-based healthcare and invest more in neighborhoods to reduce interactions with the criminal justice system.

During a news briefing on May 23, several of Graham’s family members shared about him, highlighting his dedication as a hardworking welder, son, and father.

“My dad wasn’t a bad person, but he wasn’t perfect,” remarked Honesty Graham. “He always worked hard. Whenever I needed something, he would always provide for me.”

Family members expressed lingering inquiries regarding Graham’s demise and the mechanisms facilitating drug entry into the facility.

While Collins acknowledged the limitations imposed by ongoing investigations into Graham’s death, he extended condolences to those connected to the deceased individual.

“There’s nothing more tragic than a loss of life,” Collins acknowledged, later adding, “We grieve for their loss.”

Contact reporter Rachel Smith at rksmith@courierjournal.com or @RachelSmithNews on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article was originally published on Louisville Courier Journal: After spike in deaths, Louisville jail undertakes ongoing reforms