Minnesota Jail Penalized for Withholding Food and Water from Inmate in Punishment

Minnesota jail penalized for depriving inmate of food and water as punishment for smearing feces in his cell. Jail ordered to transfer inmates and undergo training to prevent recurrence.

After an incident at the Otter Tail County Jail in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the Department of Corrections has made a crucial decision against the jail for a severe violation of a detainee's rights.

Violation of Basic Human Needs

According to the department inspector general's order, the inmate, on Saturday, Feb. 10, resorted to extreme measures by throwing feces in his cell and refused to clean it. In response, the jail staff chose to deprive him of food for six consecutive meals and shut off the water supply to his cell, forcing him to drink from the toilet and ingest his own urine as a result of the deprivation.

The inmate was also reportedly denied a daily shower, leading to a series of concerning conditions that went unaddressed for a significant period.

State's Response and Consequences

Reacting to this egregious violation, the Minnesota Department of Corrections ordered the transfer of all current inmates out of the Otter Tail County Jail by the close of business Thursday. Furthermore, the jail will be limited to holding new inmates for no more than 72 hours until the state agency grants approval.

Moreover, the order emphasized that the state regulations strictly prohibit withholding food from detainees as a form of punishment and the jail's failure to comply has been deemed as a serious threat to the safety and well-being of the incarcerated individuals.

Remedial Measures and Accountability

In response to the incident, Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons expressed regret and affirmed the office's dedication to ensuring the safety and security of both staff and inmates. He further assured that the office will collaborate closely with the Department of Corrections to implement the necessary requirements outlined in their order.

The jail administrator self-reported the incident to the Department of Corrections on Feb. 20, and the department initiated an investigation both independently and in coordination with local authorities. As a result, corrective actions and remedial training for the jail staff have been ordered, focusing on proper inmate supervision, recognizing mental illness signs, and upholding inmate rights.

Path to Restoration

The road to the restoration of the jail's license to resume normal operations is contingent on the completion of all corrective actions ordered and the assurance of a comprehensive preventive plan to avoid such appalling incidents in the future, as stated in the department's order.

In conclusion, the deprivation of food and water as a form of punishment in correctional facilities is a severe violation that undermines the basic human rights of detainees, and the swift and decisive measures taken by the Department of Corrections reflect the commitment to upholding the safety and well-being of all individuals under incarceration.

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