BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) addressed the issue of inmate deaths in Broward County jails during a news conference held in partnership with Broward County Public Defender Gordon Weekes. The NAACP expressed concerns over the deaths of 21 individuals while in custody since 2021, calling attention to the need for accountability and justice in the handling of detainees.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson emphasized the responsibility of every jurisdiction to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in their custody. He called for the intervention of the Justice Department to address the pattern of negligence and hold accountable those responsible for the tragic deaths. The president of the Broward County branch of the NAACP, Marsha Ellison, echoed the demand for external intervention, stating that the community expects answers regarding the circumstances of the inmate deaths.
Four of the inmate deaths occurred within the last month, raising further concerns about the conditions and protocols within the Broward County jails. Among the recent deaths is that of Joseph Kirk, a 34-year-old inmate who passed away while in custody at the Broward County Main Jail after being found unconscious shortly after his arrival at the facility. Weekes, the public defender, suggested that the death may be linked to improper detox protocols or an overdose, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
Relatives of the deceased inmates, including Joseph Kirk’s family and Janard Geffrard’s father, spoke at the press conference, expressing their grief and demanding accountability from the authorities. Their emotional testimonies underscored the human impact of the inmate deaths and the urgent need for transparency and reforms within the county jails.
In addition to the reported deaths, concerns have been raised about incidents of physical abuse by deputies, suicides, and allegations of neglect towards pregnant detainees. These revelations have sparked further outrage and demands for immediate action to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
The NAACP’s public address serves as a call to action for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and implement necessary reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in custody within Broward County. The profound impact of the inmate deaths on the affected families and the community at large underscores the urgency of addressing the systemic issues within the county jails.