CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Medics from the Chillicothe Fire Department, with assistance from Scioto Township personnel, responded to the Ross County Jail following reports of a female inmate “on narcotics.” Dispatchers did not provide additional details, leaving it unclear whether the incident was another overdose.
Over the past several years, the Ross County Jail has seen an unprecedented number of drug overdoses and overdose deaths. According to reports from the Guardian, the jail has struggled with these issues alongside other significant problems.
For nearly five consecutive years, the Ross County Jail failed its annual inspections due to various issues, including inadequate mental health screenings, overcrowding, and failure to conduct routine inmate checks. These persistent problems have placed the jail at risk of state intervention.
Several deaths within the jail, some under suspicious circumstances, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the jail administration and the leadership of the sheriff’s office. With rising crime rates exacerbating the situation, the condition of the jail has become a focal point for residents during this election season.
Community members are advocating for changes in the sheriff’s office, highlighting the need for improved oversight and better management to address the ongoing issues at the jail. The call for reform reflects a growing demand for accountability and a safer environment within the facility.