The Gist: An inmate, identified as Charles Robert Smith, 31, died while in custody at the DeKalb County Jail on Monday after experiencing a medical emergency in his cell.
Why It Matters: The death of an inmate while in custody raises concerns about the safety and well-being of those incarcerated and the responsiveness of the jail’s medical staff.
The Details:
- Smith, a resident of College Park, had been in custody since December 9 on felony drug and firearm charges.
- At about 10:06 a.m. on Monday, Smith experienced a medical emergency in his cell, prompting a response from the sheriff’s office on-site medical team and EMS.
- Despite receiving emergency services, Smith was later pronounced deceased.
Under Investigation: The cause of death has not been released by the medical examiner, and the incident is currently under investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office of Professional Standards.
Next Steps: As the investigation unfolds, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office will likely provide updates on the findings and any potential changes to policies or procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Your Take: What steps do you think the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office should take to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates in their custody? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
