An unacceptable situation
Dear editor:
The jail policy restricting intake when counts reach 252 males and 58 females (310 total) is unacceptable after several years of operation. There have been many numbers bantered about, but the jail was designed to hold approximately 480 and the possibility to be expanded to 600 using double-bunking.
Why isn’t the Garland County Detention Center fully operational? The answer isn’t money; a dedicated tax has funded operation of the jail for several years and built up a surplus of several million dollars. Yet, since February 2019, female inmates are being turned away or others must be released early to accommodate new inmates. The same is the case with men and in at least two cases of those released the men have committed serious crimes. Jail management software is used to determine which inmates can be released; obviously, it has some flaws.
After several years and substantial excess funds being accumulated, it appears those responsible would rather continue building up surplus funds than to fully fund, staff and operate the GCDC as designed. The apparent decision to handle criminals “administratively” isn’t working well, as recidivism is high. Those issued citations often fail to appear and others fail to comply with court directives resulting in warrants for arrest being issued. More importantly, the failure to fully utilize the two-plus unused pods is placing Garland County citizens and visitors at risk unnecessarily.
Sheriff McCormick is responsible for the sheriff’s department and detention center and the quorum court is responsible for approving the budgets. It is imperative Sheriff McCormick, the quorum court and County Judge Mahoney work together to develop and provide a plan for fully funding a fully operational jail in 2020 and to provide the plan to the public. It is rumored that the unused pods have been “cannibalized” for spare parts to maintain other areas; these problems must be corrected, and repairs/maintenance performed as part of the plan to make the jail fully operational in 2020.
The Sentinel-Record has provided the public with much information; however, it is past time for updated information and time for an “action plan” to make the GCDC fully operational. This is budgeting time for the county. Earlier this year, we were told funding to make the GCDC fully operational would be addressed at budgeting time. It is imperative action be taken, including whatever steps are necessary to attract and hire qualified personnel to fully staff the detention center and improve the safety of Garland County citizens and visitors.
The current situation is unacceptable.