I AM WRITING this as further commentary on the article that appeared in the Rome News-Tribune on the prisoners in the Floyd County Jail who have mental illnesses.

I have first hand knowledge of their plight. I was in the Floyd County Jail from May 7 until Aug. 12. I am a 42-year-old white male who was incarcerated for probation violation. The jail is very clean compared to jails of its size and for jails in general. The food is good and is enough as this is a serious issue with most jails today.

The medical care is better than most jails of its size especially considering the large number of prisoners needing medical care for other or both physical and mental care. They are well staffed with medical personal and have a general practitioner as well as a psychiatrist as part of their medical staff.

The most impressive aspect of the jail to me, was its security staff. They are very professional and carry out the operation of running the jail on a very high level of quality and efficiency. The jail is operated at a high level of quality service compared to any jail of its size and population. On the matter of the offices operating the jail and carrying out their duties day by day with prisoners they do an outstanding job.

It was our Republican Gov. Nathan Deal who closed down Northwest Regional Hospital that resulted in many of the patients ending up in the Floyd County Jail. The jail itself houses roughly 500 prisoners on average and I would have to say as many as 15 percent of them have mild to severe mental illness problems.

While I was there, I was amazed at the safety provided for the prisoners. To have as few jail officers there, (and it is my belief that there should be three times the officers per shift, that are currently on staff), I never once felt unsafe. I was in a medium security block, for three months and the entire time I was there, I only witnessed one fight

Sheriff Tim Burkhalter is doing a great job running the jail with such a small but dedicated staff.

The prisoner receiving care for mental health with the general population is getting a high level of care under Sheriff Burkhalter.

It is my opinion from first hand knowledge that all the prisoners in the Floyd County Jail are being housed and treated exceptionally well considering the budget and limited staff.