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I will make no excuse for the reason he is behind bars, however, he is my brother and I care about his well-being. I went to visit him on Aug. 9. I had contacted the jail previously to inquire about his condition. The guard I spoke to was polite and empathetic. He took my name and number, promising to let me know if any medical situation occurred. The guard explained that since my brother was in “general population,” should he have a seizure, one of the inmates would immediately alert the guards.
When I saw my brother that day, I was shocked by his appearance. He was visibly pale and had two knots on his head from hitting it on the metal bunk that morning when he’d had a seizure! I found out after he had received his dosage of Dilantin, he complained of dizziness and informed the guard. He was told to “hold on” as the guard walked away. A few moments later, he collapsed, hitting his head. A cell mate called the guard, but was informed that he’d have to wait until the guards finished their lunch.
Only when the cell mate insisted it was a medical emergency did someone come to assess the situation. I found out that my brother has had three seizures during the preceding seven days.
After the visitation, I spoke to the female guard in the waiting area. I expressed my dismay that my brother had needed medical attention and family members were not notified. She rudely, told me it was not policy to contact family in cases of medical emergencies. I was somewhat taken aback by this hostile attitude, when a few days earlier, another guard had taken my contact information. When I brought that up, she became even more hostile, making me feel as if I were the criminal. At this point, I became quite emotional. I tearfully asked if anyone would let us know if my brother should die while in custody. She callously replied “Yes.” I left the visitation waiting area feeling dismayed. I went to my car and returned to the lobby to deposit funds into my brother’s commissary account. While there, a gentleman approached me and stated he’d seen and heard how rudely this woman had treated me. He stated that the insensitivity with which she reacted toward my reasonable questions was sickening.
I am hoping that someone with authority at the Calhoun County Jail will read this and take action. The family members are not criminals and deserve to be treated with respect.
While my brother is an inmate through his own actions, I feel that the medical circumstances warrant his being in the infirmary, where his condition will be monitored. I would hate to think of my brother’s final moments spent on a concrete floor while the guards finish their burgers and fries.
I also feel that the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department could benefit by sending their employees to sensitivity training. Being rude and obnoxious doesn’t make you superior to these family members. Like I said, I did not put him there, but I’m going to be there. Get used to me!
Angela Peoples is a resident of Victoria.