Justice Department launches investigation into D.C. corrections department

The short version

• The Justice Department announced Monday an investigation into the D.C. Department of Corrections over alleged constitutional rights violations.[The Washington Sun]
• The probe will determine whether D.C. engages in a pattern or practice of violating prisoners' rights and covers conditions since January 2021.[The Washington Sun]
• It follows a lawsuit by six people who allege they were served food with dead mice and bugs at the D.C. jail, and the D.C. attorney general's office declined to comment.[The Washington Sun]

Key facts

• The Justice Department announced Monday that it is investigating the D.C. Department of Corrections over allegations that it violates prisoners' constitutional rights.[The Washington Sun]
• The Justice Department said it received allegations of inadequate medical care, use of excessive force, and unsafe and unsanitary conditions at corrections facilities.[The Washington Sun]
• According to a notice of investigation sent to Mayor Muriel Bowser, the probe will determine whether D.C. engages in a pattern or practice of violating the constitutional rights of people held in corrections facilities.[The Washington Sun]
• The investigation will examine conditions for all inmates since January 2021, according to the notice.[The Washington Sun]
• Six people filed a lawsuit days before the investigation was announced, alleging they were repeatedly served food with dead mice and bugs while held at the D.C. jail.[The Washington Sun]
• The D.C. attorney general's office declined to comment on the investigation, and the mayor's office did not immediately respond to questions from The Washington Sun.[The Washington Sun]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Justice Department to Investigate Conditions at D.C. Correctional FacilitiesThe Washington Sun