Letters sent on behalf of faith-based leaders highlight the need for a new jail, community input, and the sheriff’s role in operating a facility in an “orderly, safe, and humane manner.”
The Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church’s Social Justice Ministry sent a letter to Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, the Memphis City Council, and mayors Paul Young and Lee Harris.
Faith leaders noted that while they aren’t clear on what steps to make moving forward, the responsibility lies in the hands of city and county leaders to conduct proper research and make informed decisions.
The ministry raised concern regarding the conditions of the current jai, urging all elected bodies to be engaged and act effectively on the issue. Each letter cited 1 Corinthians 14:40, which stresses the importance of “maintaining order” in everyday life.
“In our personal and professional lives, we’re called to act in ways that reflect our values and beliefs,” the letter said. “Our behavior should be respectful and organized. We should do things in the correct order and at the proper time, instead of doing them haphazardly or impulsively.”
These comments referred to “impulsive” requests from developers with proposals that the letter said lack community input.
Ministry leaders also acknowledged the declining conditions of the jail as well as inmate deaths.They noted the lack of care and attention to those in mental health crisis, the “inhumane booking process,” and more, asking Bonner to address these issues as they “fail to meet basic standards of decency.”
“We urge and pray that you use your authority to make the necessary changes and influence others to do the same,” they said. “Being arrested and booked into 201 Poplar should never be a death sentence.”
These sentiments continued to emphasize their stance on the need for a new facility; however, they are urging Bonner to act now to improve existing processes and “gather stakeholders” to remedy the existing problems as well as a new building.
As proponents of a new jail, they requested that the location and construction should be considered with the community at the forefront. They have asked Bonner to encourage the Shelby County Board of Commissioners to conduct an independent study on these factors.
Faith leaders said Bonner and all elected officials share this responsibility.
“Anyone passing by 201 Poplar can see that a new building is needed, but choosing a location and constructing it should be done in a proper and orderly way, with input from the community,” the ministry said. “It is your responsibility to ensure that a fair, independent, and orderly process is used to determine where and when to construct a new jail.”
The ministry’s letter to the board of commissioners emphasized these claims, urging them to come together before construction begins.
“This proactive approach helps prevent future conflicts, community strife, and budget shortfalls once the facility is operational,” the letter to the county commission said.
