Fulton County, Ga., Jail Seeks New Locks

ATLANTA — As of press time a vendor had yet to be selected for a lock replacement project at the Fulton County, Ga., Jail.

The cost to install 1,310 new tamper-proof locks is estimated at $6.5 million. Fulton County Colonel Mark Adger, the chief jailer, said the price is justified. Adger said inmates can open the current locks using items as simple as strings and socks.

Different methods have been attempted to fix the problem, according to Adger. He said plates were installed on the frames to prevent inmates from tampering with the locks.

The new locks would have a deep interior that would prohibit items from being jammed in the catch area. A light lets jailers know the lock is secured.

Adger said they had tested the new locks and he believes they will work.

As of press time, officials were waiting on approval from county lawmakers as to the cost.