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Michigan County Jails Accused of Prioritizing Profit Over Rights
Two lawsuits recently filed by a prominent civil rights group have brought to light disturbing revelations surrounding the practices employed by county jails in Michigan. The lawsuits, filed by the Civil Rights Corps on March 15th, shed light on the alleged ban on in-person visits within these jails. The ban, according to the lawsuits, serves the purpose of maximizing revenue from voice and video calls at the expense of fundamental human rights.
The Allegations
The civil rights lawsuits were directed against the county governments, two county sheriffs, and two prison phone companies. Specifically, these suits aim to secure class-action status on behalf of individuals who have been denied the opportunity to visit their family members who are detained in local jails. Of particular concern are the children who have been deprived of the chance to see their parents due to these restrictive visitation policies.
Key Defendants
One of the lawsuits names St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King, prison phone company Securus Technologies, and the owner Platinum Equity as defendants. The second lawsuit, on the other hand, involves Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson and prison phone company ViaPath Technologies (formerly known as Global Tel*Link Corporation).
According to the St. Clair County lawsuit, the ban on family visitation was implemented in September 2017, effectively barring individuals from visiting their incarcerated family members. This decision, as alleged by the Civil Rights Corps, was part of a larger “quid pro quo kickback scheme” with Securus Technologies. The company, which profits from charging exorbitant rates for communication services in jails, offered incentives to the county to eliminate in-person visits.
The Impact
The lawsuits emphasize that these visitation bans are not isolated cases but are prevalent in numerous jails across the United States. By eliminating free in-person visits, jail telecom companies have been able to increase their profits from costly phone and video calls. This trend highlights a systemic issue within the legal system, enabling companies to exploit vulnerable families for financial gain.
It is crucial to note that these bans are not only detrimental to the families but to the detainees themselves. Many individuals in county jails have not been convicted of any crimes and are awaiting trial. If convicted and sentenced to long terms, they are later transferred to the state correctional system.
Ultimately, the lawsuits serve as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some institutions are willing to go in pursuit of profit, even at the expense of basic human rights. By shedding light on these exploitative practices, the Civil Rights Corps seeks to hold accountable those responsible for perpetuating such unjust systems within our society.
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