Report Shows Jail Conditions Meet Standards

An investigation of conditions at a West Virginia jail has found no evidence of inhumane treatment of inmates. Gov. Jim Justice ordered the investigation last month after allegations of water deprivation, failure to provide toilet paper, and inmates having to sleep on hard floors without a mattress at the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver. The investigation by the state Department of Homeland Security determined inmates have continuous access to water at sinks in their cells and an industrial water fountain in each section of the jail. Ample toilet paper is provided to inmates, while the jail buys new mattresses for inmates regularly, according to the investigation. A statement said more than 50 people were interviewed during the investigation.