My name is Travis McLain and today, I write with deep concern about an unfair and un-American practice, affecting detainees at the Chatham County Detention Center in Savannah, GA.

The Chatham County Detention Center has not allowed in-person visitation for over three years now, citing CoViD-19 as the reason. While it's undeniable that we must take precautions to prevent the spread of this virus within our detention facilities, it is also crucial to consider the emotional well-being of those detained and their families who are denied face-to-face contact. Additionally, in-person visitation serves as a way for family and friends to confirm that inmates are being treated fairly, their rights as American citizens are being met and they are not being abused while incarcerated.

Chatham County Detention Center continues to not allow in-person visitation and cites CoViD-19 as the reason.  It has been over three years since the World Health Organization declared the CoViD-19 Pandemic and while the rest of the world has learned to cope and continue business as usual, our local jail cannot. 

The reason for this has nothing to do with a pandemic and everything to do with revenue. During the pandemic officials saw profits from video-visits, texting and e-mails skyrocket while simultaneously eliminating the need to dedicate staff and resources for the in-person visitors center. Jail officials will absolutely not let go of that increased revenue, unless their hand is forced.

Five of six Coastal Georgia detention centers that have not allowed in-person visitation since the start of the Covid pandemic, generated at least $1.5 million in total fees for phone calls, texts and video calls for 2021 and 2022.  In Glynn, the only coastal jail that allows free, in-person visitation, revenues totaled around $670,000 in that time period.

Research shows that maintaining family ties during imprisonment reduces recidivism rates (source: National Institute of Justice), thus benefiting society overall. Moreover, these visits can provide much-needed emotional support to detainees during what can be an incredibly challenging time.

While video visits and other services offered via JailATM.com are better than nothing, they are costly for family on the outside and at least 50% of the time inmate kiosks are not operating correctly, preventing equitable or regular access.  Some families are faced with the choice between communicating with their loved one or putting food on the table.

Under the U.S. justice system, people in jail are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Those who do not receive a bond or cannot afford to pay bail must stay in detention until trial, or until they plead guilty, or their charges are dismissed. While detained, those individuals are typically in touch with attorneys, family and friends via in-person visitation at no cost.

At present, detainees can meet with their attorneys face-to-face despite Covid restrictions, but family members don’t get that same privilege. Instead, family interactions make jails money

This focus on revenue over citizen wellbeing needs to end now.  I urge you to join me in calling on local authorities to reassess their policies regarding in-person visitation rights at the Chatham County Detention Center. It's time for us to strike a balance between public health safety measures and preserving essential human connections.

Please sign this petition urging our local officials to reinstate in-person visitation at the Chatham County Detention Center while maintaining necessary health protocols and increasing transparency on the related decision making process.