COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center is under heightened scrutiny following employee arrests and allegations of civil rights violations.
Concerns over the facility's conditions persist even as the deadline to submit improvement plans to the state nears.
"It's concerning, but by the same token, it's also enlightening," said Rep. Todd Rutherford, a prominent voice on jail-related issues.
Officials said there have been 10 arrests of jail employees since January, many on charges related to attempts to smuggle contraband into the facility.
Rutherford said there have been some positive changes, including enhanced security measures and increased staffing levels.
"I can tell you now, for the first time in 25 years, I have to get scanned in, standing in front of a full-fledged metal detector, and if the byproduct of that is that they are arresting people bringing in contraband, then that's a good thing," Rutherford said.
"There are a lot more changes; people are not allowed in the lobby the way they used to be; it's more regulated who comes in and out," he added. "We do not have county employees at the front desk - it's private security there. There are more correctional officers working in the back."
The spotlight on the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center intensified when the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation in November 2023.
Allegations include civil rights violations, structural deficiencies, and reports of violence resulting in serious injuries.
A recent inspection prompted authorities to update the facility's corrective action plan due by March 15 to the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
In November, News19's Darci Strickland toured a renovated unit and noted upgrades such as reinforced locks and improved plumbing.
"We have to make sure that people who are, right now, considered innocent because the Constitution says so - not me, not the law, not any friends of theirs, the Constitution says they are innocent - that they are treated like regular human beings," Representative Rutherford said.
News19 contacted Richland County regarding staffing and recruitment measures, but county officials declined to comment at this time.