Published: May 07, 2008 05:41 pm            

Jails are crowded

The subject of jail overcrowding is not a new one, especially in Pontotoc County. It was discussed heatedly over the past several years and a majority of voters passed an 11/16 sales tax increase on December 12, 2006 to construct a new jail and renovate the courthouse.

The jail is still crowded today. The population of the jail which was built to house 42 inmates still hovers in the mid 60s. Undersheriff Joe Glover said the jail should have around 100 inmates serving time right now. Judges Tom Landrith and John David Miller, along with Sheriff Pete Peterson still get together every Monday to figure out who goes and who stays. Accommodations in the jail are usually reserved for violent or repeat offenders.

Drug offenders and those incarcerated for smaller crimes get released back into the population. There is a silver lining to this dark cloud. Officials have said if all goes well, the new jail could be finished in January 2009. It was originally estimated to hold 130 inmates, but some officials are now saying the number could be as high as 180.

The building's modular design will allow for future expansion and the cost of housing more inmates and employing jail staff are figured in with the tax increase. This means no more breaks for drug offenders and those who must serve “county time” for non-violent crimes such as burglaryfor example.

        

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