Jails

Susan Martin’s son is detained at the Buzz Westfall Justice Center and says he’s experienced frequent flooding inside the jail, as well as poor mental health after being allowed just one hour of recreational time a day.

Inspectors from the American Correctional Association recently found the building was riddled with issues including inoperable eye wash stations, as well as dirty cells and dayrooms.

Jonell Coleman shared a proposed 2026 budget with the St. Louis County Council Budget Committee on Tuesday. She also reported the need for more staff, greater staff training and mental health resources, as well as new clothing for residents.

Hayward’s first day as the commissioner of corrections at the St. Louis City Justice Center was Sept. 16. The New Jersey native spent over 32 years at the county jail and says he has an open door policy for activists.

The Clayton facility houses over 1,300 inmates and is the only ACA-accredited jail in Missouri. Inspectors will return in three months to check for compliance.

Abide in Love volunteers say their goal is to provide basic aid to immigrants detained in a Ste. Genevieve jail.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department referred the February incident to the FBI for investigation.

Looking back, Burris says he wishes he had formed partnerships sooner and expressed pride in serving his staff amid challenging conditions at the jail.

Samuel Hayes Jr., 31, died while being detained at the St. Louis City Justice Center on Saturday.

Abide in Love is a group of 50 activists who help detainees contact their families and provide small acts of comfort and kindness, as the Phelps County Jail has become part ICE holding facility.