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| Computer Matrix Sets Jail Inmates Free |
| By KMBC |
| Published: 03/10/2003 |
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Jail overcrowding became such a big issue in Jackson County, Mo., that a federal judge took over to keep it under control, according to KMBC. Hundreds of inmates who should not have been released were freed from jail by the judge's 'matrix system' -- a computer system that selects who should be released based on their past and current charges. When the population at Jackson County Jail reaches 800 inmates, the matrix automatically kicks in, Breit reported. 'Apparently, the system was working fairly well for a period of time, but then gradually we kept getting closer and closer to the cap, and then the problem really hit home in July, August, September and into the fall,' said Jay Daugherty, the Jackson County presiding judge. That was the same time last year that the AutoZone store on Prospect Avenue and East Linwood Boulevard suffered a string of burglaries. One man, Cecil Gandy, was charged with four of the six break-ins. The matrix system released Gandy four times. Cases like Gandy's spurred action to change the matrix system. Jackson County Circuit Court judges now hold a regular meeting with prosecutors, police, public defenders and jail personnel to keep the burgeoning jail cells under control. The key is to keep suspected criminals moving more quickly through the system, Breit said. One way that is happening is through a new early disposition docket. The Jackson County Prosecutor described how officials are working to keep the matrix from releasing prisoners. 'Really, the difference here is the speed with which we're moving defendants through the system. We're moving them through at a much, much faster pace than previously, and what that's allowing us to do is free up jail space more quickly. Therefore, matrixing isn't necessary,' prosecutor Mike Sanders said. At its peak in the fall of 2002, an average of about 130 inmates were released by the matrix system every month, Breit said. By January 2003, only four inmates were let out of jail because of overcrowding. None of the four has returned; they have all made it to their court dates. Now, the Jackson County Jail is operating under capacity, averaging around 760 inmates a night. |
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