Opinion ID: 2974967
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Failure to segregate

Text: To prove a claim for failure to segregate and protect “an Eighth Amendment claimant need not show that a prison official acted or failed to act believing that harm actually would befall an inmate; it is enough that the official acted or failed to act despite his knowledge of a substantial risk of serious harm.” Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 842 (1994). “A prison official’s duty under the Eighth Amendment is to ensure ‘reasonable safety.’” Id. at 844 (citation omitted). There is no evidence Karnes or Barrett had any knowledge of a substantial risk of serious harm to Loggins. Russell was incarcerated for a misdemeanor traffic violation. Russell had not exhibited a history of violence in a prior incarceration and the guards quickly responded to this 30 second altercation. There was no prior history between Loggins and Russell and there is no evidence any jail personnel had knowledge of any reason the two should be separated. Although Russell’s criminal history included felonies, there was no indication from his previous incarcerations or his specific criminal history that he had a propensity towards violence. There is no evidence Karnes or Barrett had any knowledge of a substantial risk of serious harm, and therefore Loggins’ claim for failure to segregate -7- No. 05-4135 James Loggins v. Franklin County Ohio, et al fails.