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| Jail Overcrowding a Problem in Mo. |
| By KMIZ, MO |
| Published: 10/06/2003 |
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The Boone County, Mo., Jail has seen a surge in inmates over the last few months and the 182 person facility recently housed 194 prisoners. Safety is one of the top priorities at the Boone County Jail but since April more and more beds are being filled and that means a more dangerous situation for jailers. "Tensions are high, space is crowded, resources are crowded," says Maj. Warren Brewer, Boone County Jail. At one point in August the jail had nearly 250 people in custody. Since that's 70 inmates over capacity many were transported to other facilities at a big expense to the county. "We plan to spend $5,000 to $6,000 a month. We did the first three months. In April we had to house out great numbers...spent as much as $40,000 a month. Right now the Boone County Jail has nine inmates at the Sheraton County Jail and twenty at the minimum security Reality House. That facility can hold up to 30 non-violent offenders from the jail. "I don't see any particular problem. I think they know our limitations...they'll ask how many beds we have," says Joel Putnam, Reality House Programs. Jail officials can't pin down one any one reason for the population increase, but say they're managing it the best they can. Major Warren says programs like work release and in home detention provide some relief...but more jail alternatives should be explored. |
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