Public ‘duped’ on jail

Dear editor:

The $42 million jail is closed until the population reduces to 310 inmates. There are two pods unused and one only partially used (occupied by approximately

20 state 309 female inmates working in the jail), with 160 unused beds. Why? GC senior detention center staff were recently rewarded with substantial salary increases. Starting and longevity pay for jailers was also increased. GC uses the “direct supervision method” touted to be a less costly method and promoting rehabilitation instead of punishment. The jail provides various programs, including assisting getting GEDs and classes for art and more. We have been told it is the “best jail in Arkansas” but is it providing what citizens of GC expected when they voted to approve taxes for construction and the three-eighths cent jail operating tax?

Some facts:

1) It was promoted as having a capacity near 500 with single bunking and approximately 600 using double bunking.

2) It’s never been fully utilized or staffed since it opened.

3) The food service contract requires the contractor to provide food service workers, yet 309 state inmates are doing the work (why isn’t the contract being enforced as written?).

4) In a recent meeting, citizens questions were summarily dealt with by telling them they would be discussed in the next committee meeting; however, that meeting was canceled. Why?

What is John/Jane Q Public supposed to think after reading the headline in the July 13 Sentinel-Record? Thankfully, Sheriff McCormick stated, “high level (felony) offenders” who pose an apparent danger to our community will continue to be excepted. Closing the jail to misdemeanor offenders doesn’t leave our community less safe. Some DWIs, simple assaults, burglaries, etc., are misdemeanors, most people are rarely victims of felonious crimes. The egregious action by elected officials and bureaucrats in a closed meeting held by “The Criminal Justice Advisory Committee” was possibly a violation of open meeting laws and the Freedom of Information Act. The committee was formed for the sole purpose to make recommendations to the GC Quorum Court. The press, nor anyone else, was notified of the meeting chaired by Chief Deputy Elrod, the individual that suggested the indefinite closure. The article stated the committee made the decision to close the jail; wait, committees aren’t supposed to make decisions, rather they are to make recommendations. This committee’s authority was limited to making a recommendation to the GC Quorum Court. Was there a vote taken?

Sheriff McCormick was in attendance, but isn’t on the committee, and does have the authority to close the jail to new inmates for safety reason. I submit until such time the population is reduced to 310 inmates, in the interest of safety, all visitations and jail programs be suspended. I represent all the John/Jane Q’s that don’t feel safe with the decision to stop jailing misdemeanor criminals.

It appears we may have been duped and continue to be duped, by GC that has taken our tax money, and built huge jail operating reserves while failing to fully staff the jail and open the unused pods. Why haven’t these things been accomplished in the approximate five years the jail has been open? George Pritchett Hot Springs