8/5/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

still be overcrowded even if we got rid of the federal prisoners (because all prisoners are separated according to the severity of their crimes). He urged the Commissioners to see our jail first and then go over to Tampa; he had never before seen where one officer can supervise so many prisoners yet maintain a contentment level for them. The Hillsborough folks are also willing to let our corrections officers train over there at no cost to us. Discussion ensued on whether a trip to Tampa would aid in decision-making. Commissioner Neuberger thought there was sufficient information available here without going over there. Mr. Carter urged the Commissioners to go to Tampa citing several reasons including that the design made for a safer environment for the correctional officers and the prisoners and a lower incidence of vandalism, thus lower costs in maintenance. Sheriff Raymond supported his comments adding that they have made the mistakes from which we can learn. Chairman Macht asked the Sheriff to make the arrangements for the Commissioners to go and inquired how to handle the Sunshine issue. County Attorney Collins thought it would be safer to go individually to avoid any Sunshine problems. Sheriff Raymond suggested they could go as a group and invite members of the press and public. He advised it would take about a half a day to go through it and get answers to their questions. He also mentioned they have instituted many cost-saving benefits such as using porcelain instead of stainless steel. Their prisoners can exercise at any time without having a correctional officer escort them. They use a washing machine that will do 190 pounds of dry clothes at one time. Administrator Chandler thought suitable arrangements could be made to do it as a group, inviting the press and the public. Commissioner Adams supported going as a group and especially wanted to see that August 5, 2003 27