On September 23, 2026, a tragedy unfolded in the confines of DeKalb County Jail. David Addo-Wright, a 24-year-old, was found unresponsive in his cell, bearing several wounds, the altercation was over a jail phone-a heart-wrenching example of the prevalent violence within the jail system in Fulton and DeKalb County, Georgia. Despite the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's active inquiry into his death, David's family and community are left mourning and questioning the very systems that are meant to protect individuals under their custody.

The violence and unsafe conditions in these jails are not isolated incidents. According to a Department of Justice report, Fulton County Jail alone witnessed 314 stabbings and 1,054 assaults in 2023. Six recorded deaths from inmate-related violence since 2022 underscore a disturbing pattern of neglect and danger. Families live in constant fear for their loved ones' safety, not knowing whether a simple phone call from jail will turn into an impossibility due to extortion and monopolization by other inmates.

Detained individuals in these facilities are under the protection and responsibility of the counties, not their fellow inmates. It is imperative that Fulton and DeKalb County jails implement comprehensive safety protocols that genuinely protect incarcerated people from violence, extortion, and unsafe environmental conditions.

We propose actionable steps to address these issues:

1. Enforce strict monitoring and regulation of jail phone systems to prevent control or manipulation by other inmates.
2. Install and upgrade surveillance technology to ensure constant monitoring of inmate interactions and behaviors.
3. Increase the presence of trained, unbiased correctional staff to oversee inmate activities and intervene before potential violent situations escalate.
4. Provide confidential channels through which inmates can report violence or extortion without fear of retaliation.

David Addo-Wright's death should not be in vain. His tragedy should catalyze real change, sparking a move towards safer environments for those who are incarcerated. We urge Fulton and DeKalb Counties to prioritize the implementation of these safety protocols to prevent more devastating losses.

Sign this petition to demand accountability and a commitment to protect incarcerated individuals in Fulton and DeKalb County jails. Let's stand together for justice, safety, and the humane treatment of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.