Laserfiche WebLink
APR 111985 . BOOK 6 0 F' ,f 54 <br />present rate of increase of prisoners continues, the day the <br />County moves into the new facility, he believed it will be <br />overcrowded. <br />Mr. Wright emphasized that something must be done to <br />increase the capacity of the jail now. Its approved capacity is <br />66; the day of inspection the inmate count was 86; and the <br />highest count in the recent past was 103. He, therefore, had to <br />cite the jail, and if the population is not reduced to 66 within <br />ten days, it is his duty to notify the Attorney General's Office, <br />and they then will take action as they see fit. The ten day <br />period ends this coming Saturday when he will re -inspect. Mr. <br />Wright further informed the Board that litigation has resulted <br />with thirty counties over these same type deficiencies, and <br />something must be done to reduce the inmate population, not just <br />for reasons of inmate safety, but also staff safety. In the last <br />six weeks there have been two cases of injuries to inmates <br />arising from the fact that they could not house according to <br />their special problem. Mr. Wright further commented that he did <br />not believe Indian River County has a County probation officer, <br />and he believed one could be helpful in reducing the population <br />of the jail. He clarified that the Board can hire a probation <br />officer; the state provides the qualifications; and the County <br />funds this, but the offender can be assessed for the cost of <br />supervision. <br />Commissioner Bird felt there are some probation officers <br />working in the County now, but Mr. Wright explained that they are <br />working for the D.O.C.; and they only supervise felons, not <br />misdemeanor offenders. <br />Commissioner Wodtke noted that we have felons in the County <br />jail, but Mr. Wright pointed out that they are there on reduced <br />sentences; they are not there over a year; and if a felon is not <br />in state prison, he is not a state prisoner. <br />Commissioner Wodtke stated that the felons we have in our <br />jail are there because the state lowered the sentence to 364 <br />2 <br />