Under the Arch | S4 Ep. 5: "Failing on Jail Oversight" ft. Janis Mensah
Description
After years of uprisings and demands to improve St. Louis City’s jail conditions, Mayor Jones created the Detention Facilities Oversight Board (DFOB) to investigate misconduct, ensure safe and sanitary conditions, and advise shifts in jail policies and procedures. In practice, however, board members say the work “is going poorly” due to obstruction from jail staff and the very administration that authorized their existence.
Our hosts speak with Janis Mensah, Chair of the DFOB, about the experiences that led them to the work, the challenges the board faces, and what the DFOB can achieve if allowed to do its job. Their words are a reminder to stay vigilant, as the work is ongoing.
Here are a few ways you can stay engaged around the issue of jail conditions in St. Louis:
- Keep an eye out and amplify news related to the jail.
- Attend DFOB meetings at 5pm on the 4th Monday of the month.
- Be ready to hit the streets and protest.
Learn more about the Detention Facilities Oversight Board:
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/boards/public-board-detail.cfm?groupID=2136751013
Join the conversation around this week's episode using #UnderTheArch and send us your feedback at underthearchpod@gmail.com. This week's Music Minute features the song "Perfection" by K!NG QUE. You can find more of his music on your favorite streaming platform.
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