Saturday, August 1, 2009

022: Television, Newspapers, and Radio Station In Valdosta & Lowndes County SEEMS to be a 1860 J:oke, and Inmates Know!

022---AMERICA’S BEST KEPT SECRET IN VALDOSTA-LOWNDES COUNTY BY LOCAL TELEVISION, NEWSPAPER AND RADIO STATIONS. WHY?

Posted by George Rhynes on 7/4/2004 22:59:40

SENT TO VARIOUS NEWSPAPERS ETC., AS REQUESTED BY INMATES LETTERS DATED JULY - AUGUST 2003. BUT HAVE BEEN IGNORED BY LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS. NOT EVEN A COURTEOUS REPLY TODATE! THEY JUST KEEP ON, KEEPING ON! SAY THEY WILL NEVER, EVER STOP UNTIL SOMEONE IN THIS COUNTRY COME TO THEIR AID!

Without much investigative reporting and follow-up action Lowndes
County Georgia is perhaps one of America痴 best-kept secrets. Where on
22 June 2004, the Valdosta Daily times reported that a 49-year-old
white male inmate died in his jail cell.

Capt. Yeager of the Sheriff痴 Department reported that the cause of
death was unknown. Moreover, that his name was being with held pending
notification of next of kin. After fourteen-days many citizens and
organizations remains in the white concerning this inmates death.

We are told that the (GBI), Georgia Bureau of investigation will
investigate.

Therefore, in my opinion no one should pre-judge this death until the
investigation is complete. However, the number of deaths at the jail
continues to increase regardless of the reasons. With few question
being asked by local media.

On 15 April 2004, Vol. 17 NO. 2. The Post, a weekly newspaper reported
the following deaths: Rosemary King age 40, died, on 20 June 2001,
Ronzie 鉄onny・Graham, age 48, died, on 13 July 2000, Willie James
Williams age 49, died, on 2 Sept 1998, Willie Lee Gay age 39, died, on
23 Oct 1995, and years earlier Willie McFarland also died to mention a
few without the complete record. (Al Parson owner and editor, The Post,
229-242-7179, FAX 229-242-7143).

Moreover, inmates have been crying out for help and relief for over 15
years. With over 102 signed letters, and some notarized statements
explaining alleged abuses, inhumane, and unsanitary conditions.

Yet, they are ignored by elected officials. Even a class at Valdosta
State University put together a two-hour documentary video entitled, 鄭
Chorus of Fear revealing the level of fear that exists in Lowndes
County.

Still the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, Grand Jury, District
Attorney, Representative, and others refused to provide even a
courteous reply to these inmates, parents, organizations, ministers and
others within the community.

Therefore, jailed inmates keep dying for whatever reason. While our
elected officials seem to bury their head in the sand like the legend
concerning the ostrich bird. However, in the end truth, justice, and
equality will win----even here in Lowndes County Georgia.



George Rhynes
A Concerned citizen and brother of humanity!

021L Deaths Keep Comming But No Resolution From City, County, State, or Federal Agencies! Why don't they Care about American Citizens? Why?

021---DEATH OF ANOTHER INMATE JUNE 21, 2004
Posted by George Rhynes on 7/2/2004 22:29:01


On 22 June 2004, our local news paper the Valdosta Daily Times reported that Capt Yeager of the Lowndes County Sheriff痴 Department said: That a 49 year old white male died of unknown causes at about 4:30 p.m. in his cell at the jail.

The name of the inmate is being with held until the family is notified. To date, to my knowledge this information has not been released to the general public.

As usual, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will investigate as they have routinely done in the past. Therefore, no one should pre-judge this most recent death until the investigation is complete.

However, this death seems to follow that of Rosemary King, age 40, died on 20 June 2001, Ronzie Lonny Graham, age 48, died on 13 July 2000, Willie James William, age 40, died on 2 Sept. 1998, Willie Lee Gay, age 39, died on 23 Oct 1995, and years earlier Willie McFarland, also died in or surrounding the Lowndes County Jail under a white cloud of questions.

Therefore, we must ask questions, be concerned and get valid answers. My condolences go out to the family of this young man, and may God keep you strong!

Moreover, we all must want for our neighbors, that which we have and want for ourselves, and our own children. Otherwise, this community will continue to be less than what it could be.

And eventually the conditions that we allow to exist will have a direct impact on all of us. Then America will be unable to remain the torch light of hope, freedom, love, justice, and equality for the modern world. Peace!

GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!

020: Qustions Local, State, and Federal Elected Officials Refused to answer for American Citizens. Why?

020---QUESTIONS CITIZENS WANT ANSWERED BY THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS IN VALDOSTA-LOWNDES COUNTY GEORGIA.

Posted by George Rhynes on 6/24/2004 22:57:48

THESE QUESTIONS WERE ADDRESSED TO MANY ELECTED OFFICIALS WITHIN THE STATE OF GEORGIA--AT THE REQUEST OF LOWNDES COUNTY JAILED INMATES.

1. In the State of Georgia is there a requirement for County Law Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual to be kept up to date in County Jails? If so, is this manual available for citizens to checkout and review?

2. Does Georgia require a Staffing Analysis of Jails by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? If so, where can citizens obtain results of such reviews?

3. When it is determined by a U.S. District Court Judge in the State of Georgia that Jailed Inmates Constitutional Rights have been violated:

a. Who ensures that corrections are made? Who is held responsible for complying with a U.S. District Court Order and Consent Decree?

b. Is there a requirement for the Federal, State, County, and City government to inspect jails within the State of Georgia?

c. Does the Federal, State, or County Governments provide a checklist to Georgia Grand Juries on requirements of Jails in the State of Georgia?

4. When complaints of abuse and mistreatment of Jailed Inmates in a Georgia County Jail have been identified by the courts. Is it permitted to send surveys within a jailed to pool the jail population? (To insure inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not being violated).

5. If you are notified of an abusive jail situation who would you recommend citizens contact to resolve inmates alleged problems of abuse? (When local citizens cannot get a response from their elected officials).

6. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury and each member properly educated/trained on proper guidelines for reviewing Georgia Jails? If not, why are they permitted to tour the jail and give a report---on jail conditions?

7. In the State of Georgia who performs oversight review of County Sheriffs Departments? And who insures that inmate complaints are adequately investigated IAW Federal, State, and Local policies if applicable?

8. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the Georgia Inmate Complaint System?

9. Are inmate痴 personal/Official U.S. Mail within the State of Georgia allowed to be opened outside the inmates (view), presents? If so, under what conditions? Moreover, do the State of Georgia band newspapers, and other religious literature from certain religious persuasions?

10. Is Medical Staff at a County Jail inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so, by whom? How often? Where can documentation be found?

11. In the case of a U.S. District Court Order. Who insures that all discrepancies are fixed and complied with within a County Jail in the State of Georgia?

12. What Federal, State or County Manual governs Georgia County Jail Standards? In addition, who has authority/Jurisdiction over a County Sheriff within the State of Georgia? If anyone?

Thank you for your assistance on behalf of those inmates who requested this be submitted to your agency. Thanks!


GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned and brother of humanity!

019: Appeal to Rep. Jack Kingston--No Reply! Why? Inmates Appeal taken to State Elected Officials in Georgia? No Action. Why?

019---THE MOST HONORABLE JACK KINGSTON (AN ELECTED OFFICIAL FOR THE PEOPLE)

Posted by George Rhynes on 6/13/2004 09:43:52

The Honorable Jack Kingston:

I AM REQUESTING A RESPONSE FROM YOU AS TO WHY ELECTED OFFICIALS WITHIN THE STATE OF GEORGIA REFUSE TO RESPOND TO AMERICAN/GEORGIA CITIZENS. INMATES, PARENTS, PRESENT AND FORMER EMPLOYEES OF PUBLIC SERVICE JOBS. {NEEDED: A simple down to earth reason why an American Citizens cannot get even a courteous reply from their Elected Representative here in "LOWNDES COUNTY GEORGIA?"} I shall await your written (timely) response.

I AM A RETIRED VETERAN, MINISTER, A PERSON WHO WAS CONTACTED TO SEEK OUTSIDE HELP CONCERNING THE JAIL, SINGLE PARENT OF THREE (3) CHILDREN, COMMUNITY ACTIVE PERSON, AUTHOR, RECEIVED THREE LETTERS FROM THREE (3) FORMER PRESIDENTS FOR A PUBLISHED WRITING. AND FRIEND OF THE ETERNAL GOD OF CREATION.

INFORMATION PRESENTED PERSONALLY DURING MONTHLY MEETING. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED TO THE LOWNDES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, THE LOWNDES COUNTY GRAND JURY, AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, AND MANY OTHERS. TRYING TO GET SIMPLE ANSWERS TO FELLOW AMERICAN CITIZENS (inmates) who asked for assistance.

I received letters and notarized statement signed by eleven plus citizens (inmates) of the United States of America incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail--- post dated, 11 August 2003.

Minister Rhynes, please help us--- we need an outside agency to come into this jail, and help us! We have exhausted all avenues at our level. If you can find it in your heart--- we will appreciate it! Enclosed you will find copies of statements concerning an incident that occurred in Lowndes County Jail on the morning of July 23, 2003, at 8:30. Needless to say --- this incident has been conveniently swept under the rug.・BR>
I have requested help from the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, The Lowndes Grand Jury Chairman, and each member, the District Attorney.

However, they have chosen to ignore our request for a written response. These requests have been documented for future reference. I am sure you understand the foundation of a free society wherein citizens ----have a right to be heard in our form of government.

Excerpts from the four- (4) pages of inmate’s statement!
- On 23 July 2003, at 8-8:30 AM a deputy pulled out a pistol like object, and waved it around before aiming squarely at an inmate. We had trouble getting this statement notarized by jail official (I am not signing a damn thing---name withheld). Officers routinely taunt and agitate inmates. No one will listen to us; it is cruel to keep a man in cell B1, without ventilation and no air conditioning. We need help from an outside agency ・please help us Minister Rhynes. We have exhausted all our avenues.・BR>
Questions to District Attorney David Miller, Lowndes County Grand Jury, Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, and many others.

1. Is The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and procedure Manual kept up to date? When was the last time it was reviewed by the State required? Where can citizen’s checkout this 溺annual? ・

2. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? Where has this been documented if required?

3. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated--- who ensures that corrections be made. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?

4. When was the last Federal, State, County, or City inspection done on the Lowndes County Jail? Is there any requirement for these agencies to perform such inspection? If so, what was the rating? Where are they filed? Are they made available to the General Public?

5. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey --- been conducted by questioning the entire jail population ----of jail inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated).

6. What have you done as District Attorney --- to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Laws?

7. Who educates the members of the Grand Jury on what to check for--- during their tour of the jail? Do they use a checklist---- provided by the Federal, State or County during their tour of the Jail?

8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and his/her assistance ---- given the proper guidelines for reviewing the County Jail? Is the report from the Grand Jury, worth the paper that it is written on?

9. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated IAW, Federal, State Law and Local Policies if applicable?

10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the established Complaint system? Has any type survey been conducted to insure this is not the case?

11. Is there a requirement for Medical Staff at the jail ---to be inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so by whom---and how often?

11. Are you familiar with an old civil Action #89-54-VAL, U. S. District Court of Middle Georgia, Valdosta Division? Who was responsible for complying with this Court Order---- and Consent Decree? Who insured that all discrepancies were fixed permanently---- that the county would not be guilty of not complying with the decree?

LASTLY: As a Retired Disabled Veterans of the United States Air force, Minister of truth, Single Parent, Business Owner, Community Organizer, concerned citizen, and frustrated over the continued prolong alleged, inhuman, unsanitary, and abusive conditions that exists within our community:

a. Request a written reply to this letter. As to what you will do to assist these, eleven- (11), inmates aid, in an investigation of this alleged incident. Which appears to be quite serious because a weapon is said to have been involved (Lowndes County Jail)?

b. In addition, whose responsibility is it to insure that these inmates will not be abused because they requested outside help? Thanks, on behalf of those who requested outside assistance in their dilemma.



GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned citizen, seeking to help eleven (11) citizens! (I do not know)

PS: Copies of letters, and notarized statements with names blotched out were given to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners. (Letters dated 24 July 2003.

Luke 4:18 will not allow me to remain silent while God created beings are reaching out to me for help. Perceived or real---I know you overstand! I guess some people believe that nobody cares about another human being. But I assure you they are wrong, very wrong! (Galatians 6-7,8)


George Rhynes
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!

018: Patriots of Truth, Names of a few DEAD INMATES but who cares in Valdosta-Lowndes County? Where are the Believers in GOD?

018---MAJ GENERAL AND SPC. AMERICA’S BEST PATRIOTS OF TRUTH! REALLY?

Posted by George Rhynes on 5/13/2004 21:52:52

SUBJECT: True Patriots of this Republic ・Who Cares About Prisoners Anywhere?

Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba of the Internet Pentagon Report on the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. Guards at Abu Chriub in Baghdad and Army Spc. Joseph Darly a reservists military police office. These are the true patriots of this republic and represent the best reflections of our nation.

However, one can only imagine how many other American soldiers civilians, and Iraqis who may have tried to report the abuses in Iraq to their superiors, newspaper outlets, elected officials and others---but were ignored.

Here in Lowndes County Georgia for the last fifteen (15), years local citizens have been crying out for justice, and complaining about jailed inmates, living in unsanitary, inhumane, abusive conditions, and mysterious deaths. However, they have been ignored by law enforcement officials, elected officials, and others.

Just recently our only daily newspaper the Valdosta Daily times (VDT), reported, "there are major problems in the Lowndes County jail which resulted in living conditions that are inhumane, abusive, and unsanitary."

In 1999, the Lake Park Post (LPP), a local weekly newspaper received signed letters that were smuggled out of the jail. They were signed by eighty-nine (89), prisoners from cellblock 1, 2, and 3, alleging that flying water bugs were all over the shower walls, inmates were forced to take showers with leeches all over the floor, and that they came from under the sink in the drain pipe, that smelled so bad that staff had to turn on the exhaust systems to get the smell out of the hallways.

Yet, the VDT and local elected officials denied that these problems existed at all. Then on 26 August 2003, over eleven (11), inmates sent me signed letters, and notarized statements with over sixty (60), alleged discrepancies alleging that their constitutional rights were violated. One inmate wrote that pictures were taken of him without cloths.

Moreover, the (LPP) reported that two jail Administration Officers were fired. One was fired for allow an inmate to escape. The other was fired from his job because he lied on his job application in the State of Alabama.

In 1997, the Lowndes County Jail was under the Court Order of a U.S. District Court Judge Civil Action 89-54-VAL, "Federal Consent Decree" for Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta, Georgia Division that expired two (2) years from the date of the order. Then on 15 April 2004, the (LPP), published that the following inmates died in or surrounding the Lowndes County Jail:

Thanksgiving Liza Standers, 38, died in [2003], Another female died [Name withheld], in [2002], Rosemary King, 41, died in [2002], Ronzie (Sonny) Graham, 48, died in [2000], Willie James Williams, 49, died in [1998], Willie Lee Gay, 39, died in [1995], and years earlier, Willie McFarland, also an inmate died.

However, the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners repeatedly ignored inmates request for help. They refused to provide even a courteous reply or answer questions presented to them in writing. Even though the Sheriff's Department reported over 21 discrepancies at the jail in the (VDT).

In addition, over fifty-one (51), more discrepancies reported from inmates in July-August 2003. In addition, Federal Court Judge Hugh Lawson ordered 105 violations be corrected within two years.

Several Professors from Valdosta State University put together a two-hour documentary video. This video was entitled "A Chorus of Fear" documenting the horror stories and the conditions that has festered in this South Georgia town---for decades.

Each member of the City Councilman and each Lowndes County Commissioner were given a copy of the Video "A Chorus of Fear." However, it seems that fear reigns supreme in Lowndes County Georgia.

These Jail problems have been given to the U.S. Justice Department, Georgia State Attorney General's Office, U.S. Representative, Senators, so called Black African American Leaders, their organizations, NAACP, NATIONS OF ISLAM, PUSH, newspapers across the nation, TV talk show hosts etc. However, many seem to have buried their head in the sand like the legend concerning the Ostrich.

This may have been the case in Iraq with the abuse of Iraqi prisoners. However, in the end truth has made its way onto the world stage. In addition, people who write editorials/opinions realizes that some seek to keep the American people in the white. Peace!

017: Inmates Appeal to District Attorney David Miller. Will HE HEAR THEM? Take peak!

017---INMATES REQUEST SENT TO LOWNDES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY DAVID MILLER. WILL HE REPLY?

Posted by George Rhynes on 5/11/2004 21:15:06

District Attorney
David Miller
Valdosta, Georgia 31601

I received letter and notarized statement signed by eleven citizens (inmates) of the united States of America incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail--- post dated, 11 August 2003.

Minster Rhynes please help us--- we need an outside agency to come into this jail, and help us! We have exhausted all avenues at our level. If you can find it in your heart--- we will appreciate it! Enclosed you will find copies of statements concerning an incident that occurred in Lowndes County Jail on the morning of July 23, 2003, at 8:30. Needless to say --- this incident has been conveniently swept under the rug.・BR>
I have requested help from the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, The Lowndes Grand Jury Chairman, and each member. However, they have chosen to ignore our request for a written response. These requests have been documented for future reference. I am sure you understand the foundation of a free society wherein citizens ----have a right to be heard in our form of government.

Excerpts from the four- (4) pages of inmate’s statement!
- On 23 July 2003, at 8-8:30 AM a deputy pulled out a pistol like object, and waved it around before aiming squarely at an inmate. We had trouble getting this statement notarized by jail official (I am not signing a damn thing---name withheld). Officers routinely taunt and agitate inmates. No one will listen to us; it is cruel to keep a man in cell B1, without ventilation and no air conditioning. We need help from an outside agency ・please help us Minister Rhynes. We have exhausted all our avenues.・BR>
Questions to District Attorney David Miller:

1. Is The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and procedure Manual kept up to date? When was the last time it was reviewed by the State required? Where can citizen’s checkout this Manual? ・BR>
2. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association? Where has this been documented if required?

3. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated--- who ensures that corrections be made. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?

4. When was the last Federal, State, County, or City inspection done on the Lowndes County Jail? Is there any requirement for these agencies to perform such inspection? If so, what was the rating? Where are they filed? Are they made available to the General Public?

5. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey --- been conducted by questioning the entire jail population ----of jail inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated).

6. What have you done as District Attorney --- to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Laws?

7. Who educates the members of the Grand Jury on what to check for--- during their tour of the jail? Do they use a checklist---- provided by the Federal, State or County during their tour of the Jail?

8. Is the Foreman of the Grand Jury, and his/her assistance ---- given the proper guidelines for reviewing the County Jail? Is the report from the Grand Jury, worth the paper that it is written on?

9. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated IAW, Federal, State Law and Local Policies if applicable?

10. Who insures, that those who use the complaint system are not retaliated against for using the established Complaint system? Has any type survey been conducted to insure this is not the case?

11. Is there a requirement for Medical Staff at the jail ---to be inspected on their competence and professionalism? If so by whom---and how often?

11. Are you familiar with an old civil Action #89-54-VAL, U. S. District Court of Middle Georgia, Valdosta Division? Who was responsible for complying with this Court Order---- and Consent Decree? Who insured that all discrepancies were fixed permanently---- that the county would not be guilty of not complying with the decree?

LASTLY: As a Retired Disabled Veterans of the United States Air force, Minister of truth, Single Parent, Business Owner, Community Organizer, concerned citizen, and frustrated over the continued prolong alleged, inhuman, unsanitary, and abusive conditions that exists within our community:

a. Request a written reply to this letter. As to what you will do to assist these, eleven- (11), inmates aid, in an investigation of this alleged incident. Which appears to be quite serious because a weapon is said to have been involved (Lowndes County Jail)?

b. In addition, whose responsibility is it to insure that these inmates will not be abused because they requested outside help? Thanks, on behalf of those who requested outside assistance in their dilemma.



GEORGE B. RHYNES
A concerned citizen, seeking to help eleven (11) citizens! (I do not know)

PS: Copies of letters, and notarized statements with names blotched out were given to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners. (Letters dated 24 July 2003.

016: Lowndes County Grand Jury and District Attorney Failed to ANSWER VALID QUESTIONS. WHY? Take a peak!

016—REPLY COMPLETE LETTER (Posting Mistake)

Posted by Complete Letter on 5/10/2004 20:55:58

9 April 2004

Lowndes County Court House (Clerk of the Court)

Attn: Chairman of the Grand Jury and Each Member (Respectively)

Valdosta, Georgia 31603

SUBJECT: QUESTIONS TO MEMBERS OF THE GRAND JURY (1ST Request)

(1st Addressed to Lowndes County Commissioners on 26 Aug 2003 No Reply)

TO: Lowndes County Grand Jury, (Chairman, and Every Member presently On the Grand Jury)

As a citizen of this Republic and this Local Community I forwarded the below information in part to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners on 26 August 2003 and have not received even a courteous reply from them. Therefore, I am seeking your answers to the following questions on behalf of the many inmates incarcerated in our local jail. They asked for my help in getting someone or agency into the jail to ensure that they are treated---as citizens and human beings!

The Valdosta Daily Times reported recently that the Commissioners should work quickly to renovate the facility. However, renovation alone---cannot satisfy and will not resolve the many problems Judge Lawson identified back in 1989 ・1997 in Civil Action 89-54-VAL U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta Division ordered corrected---but from appearance were never corrected.

I shall await your (timely) reply on behalf of fellow human beings who deserves an answer from local government officials.

INFORMATION/QUESTIONS IN PART PRESENTED TO COUNTY OFFICIALS

Here in Lowndes County Georgia---where are the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

On 26 August 2003, I stood before the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners with Valdosta Daily Times Reporter present on behalf of eleven (11), plus American Citizen (PASSION ENTITLED), incarcerated inmates in the Lowndes County Jail. They asked me to present their concerns to their Elected Officials for help and relief!

I presented questions, copies of letters, notarized statements of alleged inhumane, unsanitary, and abusive conditions (See Valdosta Daily Times, dated 29 July 2003, and denial of their Constitutional Rights see (Civil Action # 89-54-1, VAL, U.S. District Court of Middle Georgia Division Valdosta District in 1989).

They also mentioned an incident involving an alleged firearm being swept under the rug. However, as of this date their elected officials have yet to address their complaints.

In my opinion the questions asked should be of interest to every concerned citizen in Lowndes County, State of Georgia and others who are concerned about protecting citizens Constitutional Rights.

QUESTIONS TO LOWNDES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: (26 August 2003)

1. When was a complete Staffing Analysis of the Jail conducted by the Department of Community Affairs or the Georgia Sheriffs Association?

2. When it is determined that citizens being held in the Lowndes County Jail Constitutional Rights are being violated who ensures that corrections be made? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH A JUDGE担 COURT ORDER AND CONCENT DEGREE?

3. Does the State of Georgia inspect the Lowndes County Jail? If so, when was the last in-depth inspection done? What was the rating? Who performed the inspection? Is it open for public review? If so, where in Lowndes County can copies be obtained?

4. Since repeated complaints of abuse and mistreatment at the Lowndes County Jail. Have any type of survey been conducted by questioning the entire population of jailed inmates? (To ensure that inmates Constitutional and State Rights are not still being violated as they were in 1989 Ref: Civil Action 89-54-1, VAL U.S. District Court of Middle Georgia).

5. What has the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners or Lowndes County Grand Jury done to ensure that the safety and well being of inmates are in compliance with State, Federal and local Law?

6. Who performs (OVERSIGHT REVIEW); on the Lowndes County Sheriffs Department to insure inmates complaints are adequately investigated/listened to IAW, Federal, State, and Local Law and procedures if applicable? And are citizens being abused because they used the established Complaint System? Has any type survey been conducted to insure complaints are properly reviewed and acted upon until resolved? Who is the oversight person who ensures the effectiveness of the system?

7. How often if ever, is the Medical Staff inspected on their competence and professionalism, and by whom?

8. Is The Lowndes County Law Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual kept up to date? And when was the last time it was reviewed by the State---if required? In what location are the manual kept? And what procedures are required for a citizen to review the manual?

9. On 29 July 2003, it was reported in the Valdosta Daily Times that there was approximately 30 plus discrepancies. This was reported by an employee at the Lowndes County Jail. Other correspondence received from various (local) organizations, family members, present, and former inmates, and others, totaling over 70 documented discrepancies. HOW COULD THESE DISCREPANCIES REAL OR PERCEIVED EXISTS IN 2004? SINCE OUR MOST RECENT 鏑OWNDES COUNTY GRAND JURY, GAVE A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH TO THE FACILITY---AS REPORTED IN THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES?

10. What individual if any is responsible for ensuring that all members of the Lowndes County Grand Jury are properly educated, trained, and given pertinent checklist for their Annual Tours of the Jail---if required? In addition, who signs off whether or not Federal, State or Local Laws are being complied with?

11. Request a written reply to this letter, and since some of these inmates is American Veterans. What will you do to help resolve inmate痴 problems perceived or real?

12. These are valid questions that every American Citizen should expect their elected officials to answer, and thank God for our freedoms!



GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!

PS. The Valdosta Daily Times never posted a word concerning my presentation on behalf of inmates who requested my help in writing. Although, this was done in public---at the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners Meeting!


Cc: Closed