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ADDITIONAL UPDATE: ACCOMACK COUNTY JAIL ASSESSMENT AND THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS' RESPONSE
CREDIT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to acknowledge Nicole Shrieves, who shared this information directly with me and also published it on her Facebook page under her own name. I appreciate her efforts to investigate these concerns, bring information to public attention, and encourage accountability regarding conditions at Accomack County Jail. The following update includes information and concerns she shared.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS' ASSESSMENT
According to Nicole Shrieves, the Accomack County Board of Supervisors conducted an assessment of the jail and reported no significant concerns.
Nicole questioned whether a planned tour could provide a complete picture of the facility's conditions, particularly when the visits had been anticipated and arranged in advance.
Nicole reported that Mrs. Johnson referenced elderly residents who live without air conditioning in their homes. Mr. Washington reportedly stated that he had spoken with inmates who did not express concerns. Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Washington described their observations, while Mr. Crockett and Mr. Tarr reportedly agreed with their assessments. Nicole also noted positive comments about how welcoming and inviting Wessells and Greer had been.
However, a scheduled visit provides only a snapshot of conditions at a particular time. It does not necessarily establish what conditions are like throughout the year, particularly during periods of extreme heat.
Nicole also questioned how long Board members spent inside the facility conducting their assessment and whether their conclusions were based on their own observations or information provided to them. These questions deserve clear answers so the public can understand how the assessment was conducted.
DOCUMENTED CONCERNS ABOUT THE JAIL
Nicole referenced the following figures and records concerning Accomack County Jail:
• POPULATION AND RATED CAPACITY: The state's FY2024 Jail Cost Report reportedly lists an average daily population of 99 people at a jail rated for 46.
• OPERATIONAL CAPACITY: An inspection by the Board of Local and Regional Jails reportedly lists an operational capacity of 146. This raises questions about the relationship between the facility's rated capacity of 46 and its operational capacity, including whether its infrastructure can adequately support the population.
• AIR CONDITIONING: The FY2024 Jail Cost Report reportedly identifies the jail as having no air conditioning.
• BUILDING EXPENDITURES: The report reportedly lists only $2,400 in building expenditures for the entire year.
• EXTREME HEAT: The County's own 2017 budget document reportedly identified extreme heat as one of the jail's major problems.
• TEMPERATURE MONITORING: Nicole states that written information she received through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request indicated that indoor temperatures were not regularly monitored or recorded. This raises questions about how conditions inside the facility are documented, particularly during extreme heat.
These figures and records deserve careful examination. The public should be able to review the underlying documentation and understand how these concerns were considered during the Board's assessment.
PEOPLE IN CUSTODY CANNOT SIMPLY LEAVE
Nicole also challenged the comparison between elderly residents living in homes without air conditioning and people incarcerated at the jail.
People living in their own homes may have options such as opening windows, sitting outside, visiting a cooling center, or contacting someone for help. People in custody cannot freely leave the facility or choose another place to escape uncomfortable or potentially dangerous conditions.
That distinction matters.
People in custody depend on the facility and its staff for their basic needs. Their safety and well-being require appropriate attention to indoor temperatures, ventilation, access to drinking water, and the overall condition of the building.
The public deserves to know whether the jail's conditions are being adequately monitored and whether appropriate measures are in place to protect both inmates and staff.
PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
A planned tour on a fall day does not erase years of documented concerns.
The public deserves transparency about how the assessment was conducted, how much time Board members spent inside the facility, what areas they examined, what records they reviewed, and whether any follow-up actions were recommended.
Relevant public records should be available so the public can better understand the assessment and evaluate its conclusions.
Nicole also raised concerns about public comment rules that reportedly limit a person's ability to speak again on a subject after previously addressing it. She expressed concern that this could restrict her ability to continue raising questions about the jail.
Public participation and access to information are important parts of government accountability. Community members should be able to raise legitimate concerns and seek answers through appropriate public processes.
Nicole further shared information about a State Board of Local and Regional Jails (BOLRJ) meeting reportedly scheduled for November 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Norfolk City Sheriff's Office. The meeting details should be confirmed through an official announcement.
WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR
We are asking for:
• Transparency regarding the Board of Supervisors' assessment and the records supporting its conclusions.
• A thorough evaluation of the jail's population, rated capacity, infrastructure, and ability to maintain safe conditions.
• Clear information about air conditioning, extreme heat, and procedures for monitoring and recording indoor temperatures.
• Public access to relevant records so community members can independently examine the evidence.
• Appropriate corrective action if deficiencies are established.
People in custody deserve safe and humane conditions. Their well-being should not depend on whether someone happens to visit the facility on a particular day.
The concerns Nicole Shrieves brought forward deserve attention, and I thank her for sharing this information with me and the public.
I am adding these concerns to this petition because transparency, accountability, and the safety of people housed at Accomack County Jail matter.
Please continue to support and share this petition. Together, we can help bring attention to these concerns and encourage meaningful improvements.