Senate panel hears struggles, challenges of Fulton County Jail

ATLANTA — A top aide in the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office gave lawmakers a searing account Thursday of life, and death, at the embattled Fulton County Jail.

Amelia Joiner, the sheriff’s office general counsel, told the Senate Subcommittee on the Fulton County Jail that detainees are held an average of 295 days in the jail — nearly 10 times longer than the expected 30 days, committee member Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, noted. 

Many in Fulton County Jail are mentally ill or awaiting...