The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 26 that it will stop accepting most misdemeanor arrestees at the Rice Street jail amid a federal consent decree over the facility’s unconstitutional conditions.
The announcement says the policy, with limited exceptions, will go into effect on July 1. Cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or aggravated misdemeanor circumstances will continue to be accepted, according to the sheriff’s office.
Fulton County and its sheriff’s office entered into the consent decree in January 2025, requiring the county to protect inmates from violence and house them in sanitary conditions. A February report filed in U.S. District Court says the county cannot comply unless it increases staffing or decreases the jail population.
Details on policy change
There have been ongoing concerns about overcrowding at the Fulton County Jail and the deteriorating conditions of the facility. While the county is planning to construct a new medical facility, it’s years away.
The announcement says Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat sought a formal legal opinion from the county attorney last October regarding his authority and responsibility for the intake of misdemeanor arrestees. After hearing back on May 13, the sheriff’s office said Labat discussed the change with police chiefs, mayors, and county officials to understand the move’s impact.
Between now and the end of June, the sheriff’s office said it will consult with justice system partners and hold a town hall meeting to educate citizens on how the change will affect the community. Many cities in Fulton County, like Sandy Springs, do not currently take misdemeanor arrestees to Rice Street.
The announcement also says the sheriff’s office acknowledges the board of commissioners’ resolution regarding misdemeanor intake.
“As the sheriff, it is my responsibility to implement a pathway forward that aligns with what is best for our residents, community public safety, and the consent decree,” Labat said.
