Jail Facts

It has been challenging to follow all the twists and turns of the new jail debate, and I have changed my mind twice as new information comes to light. While the current facilities could be fixed for considerably less money than building a new one, the current facilities lack adequate space for behavioral health. 

One interesting factor is that federal closure of mental health institutions over the last 40 years put these people on the street and now we have to care for them locally. Combined with the state backlog on competency hearings, this means that we are required to hold them indefinitely. 

Building a facility to house those with severe mental health problems will help to reduce crime and get these people treatment. When we've completed that, we will know how large a jail is needed. A new criminal justice complex will be expensive to operate, likely requiring additional tax increases. 

At this point, the jail proponents are asking us to trust public officials by approving the new tax without a plan before us. This is getting the cart before the horse. We have other social needs and limited public support for new taxes. Proponents need to do a better job of communication and preparation. 


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