Jail History
Fulton County Jail, also known as Fulton Tower, is a correctional facility located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The jail has a long and complex history, dating back to the early 1900s.
CLICK HERE to Search for Incarcerated Friends or Family Members
Early Years: 1880s-1920s
The Fulton County Jail was originally constructed in 1904 as a five-story brick building. It was located on Pryor Street in downtown Atlanta and was initially designed to hold 400 inmates. At the time of its construction, it was considered a state-of-the-art facility, with modern amenities such as indoor plumbing and electricity.
The Atlanta City Jail: 1920s-1970s
In 1927, a new, larger facility was constructed on Peachtree Street, which would become known as the Atlanta City Jail. Over the years, the Atlanta City Jail gained a reputation for being a brutal and inhumane institution.
Reforms and Activism: 1950s-1970s
In the 1950s and 60s, the civil rights movement brought further attention to the injustices of the criminal justice system. Activists protested against the systemic racism and discrimination that led to disproportionate numbers of Black people being incarcerated.
Relocation: 1983
In 1983, the Fulton County Jail was relocated to its current location on Rice Street. The new facility was designed to provide a more humane environment for inmates, with better living conditions and improved access to medical care.
Notable Events The Fulton County Jail has been the site of several notable events throughout its history. In 1971, a riot broke out at the jail, with inmates protesting poor living conditions and overcrowding. The riot resulted in extensive damage to the jail and several injuries.
In 2003, the jail gained national attention when music producer Phil Spector was held there on murder charges. Spector’s high-profile case brought increased scrutiny to the jail’s conditions and management practices.
Changes in Management
Over the years, the management of the Fulton County Jail has changed hands several times. In 1978, the jail was taken over by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, which continues to oversee its operations today. However, the jail has also faced criticism for its management practices, including allegations of abuse and mistreatment of inmates.
Recent Years and Future Plans
In recent years, the Fulton County Jail has undergone several renovations and upgrades. In 2015, a new medical unit was added to the jail, which provides better healthcare for inmates. Additionally, the jail has implemented several programs aimed at reducing recidivism and helping inmates successfully reintegrate into society after their release.
In the future, the Fulton County Jail plans to continue its efforts to improve conditions for inmates and reduce overcrowding. The jail is also exploring the use of alternative sentencing programs, such as electronic monitoring and community service, as a way to reduce the number of people incarcerated in the facility.