In the first year since entering into a Consent Decree with the U.S. Department of Justice to improve conditions at the Fulton County Jail, Fulton County and the Fulton County Sheriff’s office have made significant progress in addressing identified issues.
 
In 2025, Fulton County invested $12.8 million in Consent-decree related matters, including security, staffing, facilities updates and detainee healthcare.
 
Fulton County’s 2026 budget includes more than $50 million for to address jail related concerns outlined by the federal monitor, including $16.7 million specifically for staffing and recruitment incentives. In total, Fulton County’s 2026 General Fund budget includes $233.7 million for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and other Jail-related costs, up from $132.6 million five years ago.
 
Major accomplishments over the last 12 months have included:

• Replacement of major systems within the Jail including fire alarms, kitchen equipment, and laundry equipment
• Completion of Jail “blitz” updates to 11 resident detainee housing units
• Reduced Jail work order backlog by 36%
• Compensation enhancements for sworn Jail staff
• Specialty recruitment firm to address detention staffing gaps
• Contract staffing to supplement civilian tower staffing
• Enhancements to detainee healthcare contract
• Security improvements through assessments and specialized equipment
 
Fulton County will continue to collaborate with the Fulton County Sheriff’s office and the Jail monitor with the goal of achieving full compliance.