08/13/2026
A Message from Sheriff Hash:
Over the past two weeks, our office has received inquiries from members of the media regarding deaths that have occurred while individuals were in custody of the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office and the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center.
First and foremost, any loss of life is tragic. Whenever someone dies while in our custody, a family receives devastating news, a community seeks answers, and a group of deputies, medical personnel, and staff members are deeply affected by that loss. No one within this agency ever becomes immune to the weight of those moments.
As Sheriff, I fully understand and accept the tremendous responsibility that comes with this position. Every person who enters our facility becomes our responsibility. Their safety, well-being, and care are entrusted to us regardless of why they are here, what challenges they may be facing, or what circumstances brought them into custody.
We ask our community to understand the reality facing detention facilities across Virginia and throughout our nation. Many individuals arrive at our doors struggling with severe mental illness, substance abuse disorders, significant medical conditions, or complications resulting from opioids and other substances. In some cases, people enter custody after swallowing narcotics, suffering a medical crisis, or experiencing serious mental health episodes that may not have been identified or treated before their arrival. Once they enter our facility, we assume responsibility for their care and do everything within our authority and resources to provide for their medical and mental health needs.
As part of our continued commitment to transparency, we are sharing statistical information compiled by our medical provider for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. These numbers provide insight into the medical, mental health, and substance use treatment needs of individuals housed within our facility and highlight the level of care required to support this population. During this period, we housed a total of 5,205 residents, of whom:
· 319(6%) residents were noted as suicidal by RCDC staff
· 2,371(46%) residents received psychiatric medications as part of their mental health treatment.
· 539(10%) residents received Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). MAT is an evidence-based approach that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders, particularly opioid and alcohol use disorders.
· 1,841(35%) residents underwent medically supervised detoxification.
These statistics demonstrate that the responsibilities of a correctional facility extend well beyond safety and security. Our facility also serves individuals with significant medical, behavioral health, and substance use treatment needs, requiring coordinated care and professional resources throughout their period of incarceration.
No nurse, detention deputy, or other staff member comes to work wondering how they will have to tell a family that their loved one has died. No one wakes up preparing for that phone call, that investigation, or the emotional toll that follows. Our goal every single day is simple: to keep every person in our care safe and ensure they leave our facility alive and better than when they arrived.
Corrections is a profession that often operates out of public view. It is not glamorous work. It is challenging, demanding, and at times heartbreaking. Yet the men and women who serve within our detention center continue to show up every day with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to caring for people during what is often the most difficult period of their lives.
That does not mean we are above scrutiny or accountability. We welcome transparency and review when critical incidents occur. We continuously evaluate our practices, our policies, and our procedures because every life matters and every opportunity to improve matters.
I ask our community to remember that behind every incident are human beings on all sides: families grieving a loss, individuals struggling with addiction or mental illness, and dedicated public servants who have devoted themselves to protecting and caring for others.
The opioid epidemic and growing mental health crisis continue to impact communities across our country, and detention facilities frequently find themselves on the front lines of those challenges. While we cannot solve these issues alone, we remain committed to doing our part with dignity, professionalism, and compassion.
To the members of my staff, thank you for your dedication and resilience. Thank you for your trust and support. And to the families affected by these tragedies, please know that our thoughts and prayers remain with you.
We will continue our mission as we always have, treating every person with dignity, providing the best care possible, and striving every day to keep those entrusted to us safe.
Sheriff Antonio D. Hash, Roanoke City Sheriff's Office
