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Former workers, others speak out about mistreatment at Milwaukee Co. Jail
Former workers, others speak out about mistreatment at Milwaukee Co. Jail
MILWAUKEE -- Loved ones of inmates and even former jail workers spoke out Monday night, February 27th about mistreatment in the Milwaukee County Jail. The purpose of the meeting was to talk about the jail and push for change for inmates suffering from mental illness.
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke and the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office oversee the Milwaukee County Jail.
Martina Gollin-Graves
"The environment over this time has changed," Martina Gollin-Graves said.
Inmates' loved ones, community members and former jail employees said they want answers and change.
"The bottom line is that people are suffering," Gollin-Graves said.
The Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force and the Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin organized this listening session.
"We get calls from the community -- either people themselves or family or loved ones telling us that their loved ones are experiencing difficulty accessing mental health treatment while they're in the care of the jails, and so that's concerning to us," Gollin-Graves said.
Terrill Thomas, jailed in connection with an April 2016 shooting inside Potawatomi Hotel & Casino was found dead in his cell on April 24th, 2016. This death was ruled homicide by dehydration. He suffered from bipolar disorder and was awaiting psychiatric help at the time of his death.
Terrill Thomas
He was one of four, including a newborn, who died in the jail in 2016 -- within a six-month period.
"Someone you know, you love, they go to jail and you may not see them no more," a resident said.
Milwaukee County Jail
When asked for comment on the meeting, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office released this statement:
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele issued this statement:
Milwaukee County Jail
"It's not about blame. It's about how do we come together as a community? This is a complicated issue," Gollin-Graves said.
FOX6 News asked members of the task force whether Sheriff Clarke was invited to Monday night's meeting. They said he was not, but they said he has been invited to past events.