11/6/1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The County's detention facility is overcrowded, but it could be considerably more congested if you consider the number of additional persons that could be in the facility. As of this week, 34 persons are on conditional release under the daily supervision of the County Probation officer. Some 89 persons are on county probation and another 45 are sen- tenced to the weekend work program. Of these 168 persons, half or more, could easily be sentenced to the local detention facility. Ih addition, the County is now prepared to begin a five day a week work program that will provide an additional sentencing alternative. In total, there are more than 250 persons currently sen- tenced to serve time in Indian River County or awaiting trial. The Judges are unanimous in their position that this number will increase dramatically thus overtaxing the not -yet -com- pleted 156 bed detention facility on the day it opens. Therefore, the staff also requests the Commission consider the May 24, 1985 unanimous recommendation of the Jail Commit- tee "to recommend the construction of a minimum security facility at the same location as the new jail; further that it be built as soon as possible." Please advise if you have any questions. Commissioner Bird noted that the Board had previously asked the Assistant Public Defender why the criminal element in the county seems to be growing so out of proportion and whether this is something in particular to our area or just society in general. Judge Smith believed it is growing in geometric proportions. It is not just the growth of the county, but the rapid rate of its growth. Drugs, of course, are the biggest problem; the addicts steal; and this is pervading our whole society. Judge Vocelle reported that the Judges will be coming to the Board next Wednesday in regard to a proposed residential drug treatment program for the four county area. Chairman Lyons noted that the unprecedented growth in crime has really shot down our projections for the jail. Discussion followed as to a Motion to accept the staff recommendations, and Administrator Wright reminded the Board that we also need to deal with the Consent Order, which, if approved, will take care of the lawsuit with the state. The Chairman suggested that we first have a motion to move ahead with the temporary jail facilities as suggested in the Administrator's memo. 79 NOV e 1918 66 BOOK 62 PVE 705