St. Louis City Justice Center

Jail deaths at the City Justice Center in St. Louis are slightly higher than public safety officials previously shared and much higher than online reports show. But deaths at the CJC so far this year are the lowest they’ve been since 2021.

Activists have been demanding the resignation of Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah since 2023. At least 11 detainees have died at the City Justice Center since 2022, and there have been multiple protests against conditions at the facility.

The two bills lay out access requirements for attorneys, elected officials, clergy and members of the Detention Facilities Oversight Board. Any person who inappropriately denies access could face a $500 fine.

Members of the St. Louis Detention Facilities Oversight Board met with a detainee at the St. Louis City Justice Center on Thursday and explained how inmates can let the board know about their plight.

The 35-year-old was left in his own feces for days, his attorney said.

St. Louis public health officials said Thursday that they’re facing an uphill battle at St. Louis City Justice Center because the city’s health department has long been underfunded and is catching up on its review of detainee medical records.

Two members of the St. Louis Detention Facilities Oversight Board have resigned. The resignations follow months of criticisms by board members who say the city has stonewalled members from investigating jail complaints.

Homicides in the city of St. Louis have decreased 20% since last year, and juvenile shootings are down nearly 40% this year, according to Mayor Tishaura Jones' office.

Mayor Tishaura Jones first appointed members of the Detention Facilities Oversight Board in 2022, but legal battles and a failure to complete required training meant the board could not access the downtown jail until now.

The people imprisoned were supposed to receive rehabilitative mental health services that allow them to stand trial, but they have been found to languish in jails — often for months — without having been found guilty of any crime.