PRATTVILLE, Ala. – On Thursday, the Autauga County Sheriff evacuated the county jail to prevent potential “health and safety issues.”
In a statement posted on Facebook, Sheriff Mark Harrell announced that deputies began transferring inmates from the Autauga County Metro Jail to other facilities. The sheriff’s office website lists 164 inmates.
“We have coordinated with several agencies to house inmates,” Harrell stated. “We have made arrangements to process individuals quickly and ensure they are housed in a safe environment.”
Harrell did not specify which agencies are involved or how long they will house the inmates.
“I have a moral obligation to ensure the safety, health, and security of everyone who enters the Autauga County Metro Jail, including my staff, law enforcement officers, and inmates,” Harrell added.
He emphasized that the County Commission needs to address the health and safety issues before any new inmates are brought into the jail. He did not provide further details.
Autauga County Administrator Scott Kramer acknowledged the commission is aware of the issues but did not give specifics.
“We have been working diligently and in good faith with Sheriff Harrell and his staff to address their concerns. We will continue to do so and ask them to do the same,” Kramer said in a statement.
Kramer added that the commission had workers and experts at the jail this week to address concerns and conduct inspections.
“We will continue to make improvements within the law and available resources to ensure the well-being of everyone — inmates, staff, law enforcement officers, and the public — who enters the jail,” Kramer said.
