ST. LOUIS—Demonstrators who have long had concerns about conditions inside the city’s Criminal Justice Center and support shutting it down interrupted a meeting of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen Friday to call for improved treatment and transparency. A total of 18 people have died at the CJC since 2020.
Antonio Weber died Nov. 9, according to the Department of Public Safety. His death, and the August death of Katrina Kelly are still under investigation by St. Louis Metropolitan police.
Activists put out banners from the gallery at the aldermanic chamber at City Hall, prompting a brief recess, and then adjournment when the activists were chanting.
In a letter, the demonstrators called for ensuring access to medical care, adequate food and water, ending lockdowns and the use of mace, among a number of immediate demands.
In 2020, the facility saw four deaths of detainees, followed by 1 in 2021, 6 in 2022, 5 in 2023 and 2 in 2024.
“We’ve had a number of improvements since last year, I think our first death was in August of this year, sadly, but we have made improvements and we continue to make improvements in Corrections to maintain the health and safety of the detainees that are put in our care,” St. Louis Public Safety Director Charles Coyle told reporters Friday afternoon.
He cited improved meals under a new vendor, increased screening for contraband entering the jail, more attention to mental health, including during the intake process and training focused on overdoses and indicators of self-harm.
Advocates say they’re looking for a new city approach when it comes to handling those accused of crime, including a dramatic reduction of cases where no bond is allowed, and expanded use of pre-trial release, with a larger goal of not having a jail at all.
“What we can do is be creative about what is possible, instead of depending on the same arrest/incarceration models which we know drives violence in our community,” said Mike Milton Executive Director of the Freedom Community Center.