Over the past decade, at least 18 people have died in the Montgomery County Jail.
That includes the recent in-custody death of Christian M. Black, whose death was ruled a homicide, likely caused by "mechanical and positional asphyxia" according to the coroner office's preliminary findings.
Former sheriff Phil Plummer and a Justice Committee previously called for a civilian review panel or ombudsman process to address issues in the jail, but no such change was implemented.
In response to this, the Montgomery County Jail Coalition has released a petition calling for civilian oversight of the jail.
"It feels like change is coming and nothing happens," said Bobby Beebe, an organizer with the Montgomery County Jail Coalition. "In that time, over 10 people have died in the jail. In the last two years that we know of, at least eight people have die in the jail. And so whatever change needs to happen to keep people safe and alive, it feels clear to us that that's not the case."
County commissioners said in a statement to WYSO that they are not prepared to comment on the matter at this time.
"It is a matter that should be discussed by our Commissioners and Administrator, and we have not had time to weigh the full implications of this with our entire team," said Kevin Lavoie, director of communications for Montgomery County.
The Montgomery County Jail Coalition petition is asking county commissioners to establish a civilian oversight committee to ensure the protection of the “rights and dignity of all individuals in custody.”
"I think having the committee in and of itself allows us to put the spotlight on this, right? Like if things are not going the way that we've agreed that they're gonna go, then that's where we rally the community," Beebe said.
Sheriff Rob Streck said in a statement to WYSO that he doesn’t believe a civilian oversight committee is necessary, and as an elected official he is ultimately responsible for operations at the jail.
"I recognize that the jail’s infrastructure is aging and in need of significant improvements," he said. "I’m optimistic that the planned renovations—including the creation of a dedicated medical and mental health unit—will address many of the challenges we face. I remain hopeful that this critical work will begin in the near future."
Beebe said while this petition has no legal teeth, it calls for fixing issues that community members are concerned about at the jail.
“This isn't something that will end up on a ballot," he said. "This is something we hope that county leadership will receive and be willing to collaborate with us on.”
The petition requests that a committee would be able to tour the jail without notice among other oversight responsibilities.
"They would be [able] to tour the jail without notice, with full access to all spaces, staff, and detainees. To review all use of force incidents, to audit healthcare services," Beebe said. "In this case, the healthcare services provided by NAFCARE, to advise on policies and procedures. And to receive, investigate, and rule on complaints from detainees, families, and advocates for people detained in the jail, and then issue public reports based on the things that they find."
Beebe said the committee would consist of community members and experts, including health care workers.
“We want impacted people and impacted families, people who have expertise about the jail and the kinds of things that go on in the jail that can provide insight when these kind of incidents arise," he said.
Beebe said the petition has already received over 200 signatures and they are still seeking out more attention for it.
"The community wants transparency from the people that they've elected to serve," he said. "And if that transparency is, you know, just for show and things aren't really getting done, then I'm sure that our county leadership is going to — hear from the voters in our county."
