Judge Orders DC Jail to Give Inmate ‘Proper Communication’

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A DC Superior Court judge mandated May 1 that the DC Department of Corrections should give an inmate “proper communication.”

Ronald Washington is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery for attempting to rob a sandwich shop on March 19, 2020.

Judge Todd Edelman ordered that the DC Jail give Washington proper communication for his medical needs as well as a video call twice a week with his attorney.

As part of an ongoing lawsuit, the jail has been ordered by a District Court judge to develop a system to provide inmates with consistent and reliable access to legal calls, personal telephone calls, daily showers, and clean clothing and clean linens to all inmates in isolation. Inmates, who are not being held in quarantine should also get expedited sick calls and responses, according to the order that was issued on April 20.