The DeKalb County Jail, which currently houses over 1,900 prisoners is sealing all cell windows, citing prisoner safety, health concerns about winter approaching, and stopping the flow of contraband items.
Broken cell windows throughout the facility, reportedly damaged by people inside, will now be sealed with metal panels.
Just the Facts: Sheriff Melody Maddox cited “deliberate inmate vandalism” as the reason for the move. Damaged windows have raised concerns about both security and inmate health as temperatures drop. The Sheriff’s Office announced that:
• All broken cell windows will be covered with impenetrable metal panels to shield cells from the cold and prevent further breaches.
• Any additional damage to cell windows will result in similar coverings to prevent further issues.
• Upgraded, tamper-resistant, and energy-efficient lighting is being installed in cells to improve the facility’s lighting and security.
The Details: Sheriff Maddox said the situation poses serious risks, as open windows compromise the facility’s ability to heat the cells effectively, putting those inside at risk.
Additionally, broken windows have reportedly been used to bring contraband—such as cigarettes, drugs, and cellphones—into the jail, further fueling security concerns. By sealing damaged windows, the jail hopes to curb the flow of prohibited items and improve heating efficiency as temperatures continue to drop.
In Context: This action comes as the DeKalb County Jail, a facility over 30 years old, faces mounting challenges due to outdated infrastructure and increasing maintenance needs. Security concerns linked to contraband smuggling have been ongoing, as other jails across the region also contend with similar issues linked to window damage and aging facilities.
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B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist with 25-years experience in journalism. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is the publisher of The Georgia Sun and a fifth-generation Georgian.
