Empathy Behind Bars

When Lieutenant Melissa Last walked into Charleston County jail in 2010, she never imagined she’d find her calling there—working with mentally ill inmates in the Behavioral Management Unit. What began as an unexpected career path became a profound mission: treating every person with the compassion she’d give her own family. She’s reshaped how deputies interact with inmates, moving away from rigid, one-size-fits-all tactics to personalized, empathetic care. With nearly half of jail inmates nationally struggling with mental illness—and that number rising in her facility—Last’s calm, trust-building approach, like unlocking doors to show reliability, stands out. She pushes for medication access upon release to prevent relapse in the community. Though emotionally taxing, her work feels deeply fulfilling—blending law enforcement with counseling and caregiving. Her story reveals the hidden humanity behind the bars, and the urgent need for mental health support beyond jail walls. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e57ae09a9d205dfd