Richmond County jail officials are working to address problems raised in a grand Jury report issued two months ago, following a tour of the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
Since that April 1 visit, the facility has made improvements to shower privacy and is exploring funding options to upgrade aging kitchen equipment, but significant challenges — including overcrowding and outdated infrastructure — still persist.
In a written response to the report, Major Chester Huffman provided updates on several key issues highlighted by the jury. He confirmed that nearly all shower areas with 48-inch openings have been fitted with new curtain systems, and that additional retrofitting is planned for larger openings.
“There are still a few larger openings that require retrofitting, but 95% have been replaced,” Huffman said. He also included photos of the new curtain systems alongside older, improvised ones.
Kitchen Upgrades Still in Planning Stages: The Grand Jury described the kitchen as a serious concern. According to their report, only one oven was operational at the time of their visit, the food warmer wasn’t working, and several garbage disposals were out of order.
The committee called the situation a potential food safety risk, citing delays in feeding inmates and concerns about contamination or food poisoning.
Huffman clarified that the jail does have food warmers but not enough ovens to meet demand. “There should be three double ovens but currently only two single ovens,” he wrote. “We keep trays warm while cooking the next batch – it is just a slower process than desired.”
As for the kitchen hood system, Huffman stated it is still functional, but outdated and no longer compliant with current fire-safety codes. “Our fire suppression/hood system still functions, but should be replaced during our next renovation project (contract with architect finally executed this week!).”
The multi-sink units in the kitchen were also identified as in need of replacement. “Although there are four very large multi-sink units, they have ‘aged out’ and need replacing,” Huffman acknowledged. He added that the jail is exploring “a creative funding source” for the needed kitchen upgrades.
Overcrowding Straining Resources: Inmates being forced to sit on stairs during meals and overcrowding in the mental health unit were among the Grand Jury’s top concerns. The report cited capacity issues across multiple housing pods for both men and women.
Huffman confirmed the facility is operating over capacity. “We have recently topped 1,300 inmates in house, with 1,078 total beds,” he wrote. He added that population numbers and space limitations are routinely shared with Grand Jury visitors.
Jury Calls for Funding and Support: The Grand Jury concluded its inspection report with a clear recommendation: “The issues at the jail clearly reflect a need for increased funding and support to address critical repairs and updates to ensure the safety, sanitation, and humane treatment of those housed in the facility.”
Huffman indicated that while some immediate fixes have been made, many longer-term solutions are tied to an upcoming renovation project, now in early planning stages. In the meantime, officials say they are doing what they can with limited resources.
Grand jury report from March:
