FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sabu Williams, President
Okaloosa County Branch, NAACP
Phone: 850-783-0047
Email: ocnaacp@gmail.org
Date: August 5, 2025
CRESTVIEW, FL – The Okaloosa County Branch of the NAACP today formally requested that the Chairman of the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners grant a small delegation of its members access to the Okaloosa County Jail. The delegation will conduct a first-hand, impartial assessment of living conditions, safety protocols, and programming resources, in response to a growing number of inmate complaints.
Over the past several months, the Branch has received numerous reports from incarcerated individuals citing:
- Severe overcrowding in multiple housing units
- Excessively high temperatures during summer months and uncomfortably low temperatures in winter
- Allegations of abuse by jail staff
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Okaloosa County is treated with dignity and respect,” said Sabu Williams, President of the NAACP Okaloosa County Branch. “By working collaboratively with county leadership, we can identify strengths, address concerns, and advance transparent solutions that uphold civil rights and humane treatment standards.”
The NAACP delegation will consist of up to five authorized representatives. In the interest of minimizing operational disruption, the Branch has offered to:
- Coordinate directly with jail administration to agree on a visit date and security protocol
- Comply with all health, safety, and confidentiality requirements
- Deliver a concise report and constructive recommendations within two weeks of the visit
The request underscores the NAACP’s long-standing commitment to community engagement and government transparency. The Branch looks forward to partnering with the Board of Commissioners and jail leadership to ensure accountability and foster greater public confidence in the local justice system.
About NAACP, Okaloosa County Branch
Founded in 1948, the NAACP, Okaloosa County Branch advocates for civil rights, equitable treatment, and transparent governance. Through research, community outreach, and strategic partnerships, the Branch works to empower all residents of Okaloosa County.