Members have been appointed to a newly created, independent Montgomery County Jail Justice Committee.
The Montgomery county jail is currently involved in eight federal cases alleging inmate abuse and civil rights violations. The Montgomery County Commission had asked the Justice Department to investigate the allegations.
County Commissioner Dan Foley says the committee will make recommendations on improving conditions at the jail in light of the ongoing civil rights investigation.
“They’re going to understand some of the reasons why those cases were filed. And they’re going to form opinions about how in the future we can change the policies and procedures and implementation and practices of the jail,” said Foley.
Commissioner Foley says committee members were chosen from a variety of backgrounds for their experience in substance abuse, civil rights, law enforcement and health care.
Members are expected to serve for two years, meet quarterly and release an annual report.