Overcrowding Issues in Montgomery County Jail
The Montgomery County Jail is facing a serious issue with overcrowding, prompting the county to take drastic measures to address the problem. In an effort to alleviate the situation, the county has decided to outsource some prisoners to the Waller County Jail.
The Cost of Relocation
The relocation of approximately 45 prisoners to the Waller County Jail will come at a daily cost of $75 per prisoner, totaling $3,375 per day. Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle explained that his county will still be responsible for transporting the inmates to and from court, while Waller County will provide housing, food, and basic medical needs.
Causes of Overcrowding
According to Sheriff Doolittle, about 70 to 80 percent of inmates in the Montgomery County Jail are pre-trial felons. The sheriff’s office is working with judges to release individuals who do not need to be in jail, particularly those who are terminally ill or require expensive care. As of Wednesday, the Montgomery County Jail had an inmate population of 1,263, exceeding the state’s allowed capacity.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards has set a capacity limit for the Montgomery County Jail, and the current population is running between 94 and 116 percent of that limit. If the jail is not brought into compliance, the state could consider closing the facility. However, this is not an immediate consequence, and the commission would work with the county to implement remedial actions to address the issue.
Alternative Solutions
Commissioners have discussed alternative solutions to address overcrowding, including housing inmates in tents or moving adult inmates into the same building as juveniles. However, these ideas are not feasible under current state regulations. The sheriff’s office is also working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove illegal immigrants from the jail, which has already resulted in the removal of 75 individuals.
Long-Term Solutions
The Montgomery County Jail is nearly 40 years old, and Sheriff Doolittle believes that a larger facility is needed to accommodate the growing inmate population. In February, the jail added 64 beds to the facility, but a more permanent solution is required. Commissioners have agreed to work with the sheriff’s office to explore the feasibility of a potential expansion.
Conclusion
The overcrowding issue in the Montgomery County Jail is a complex problem that requires a multifaceted solution. By outsourcing prisoners to the Waller County Jail and exploring alternative solutions, the county is taking steps to address the issue. However, a long-term solution, such as expanding the facility, is necessary to ensure the jail’s compliance with state regulations and provide a safe and humane environment for inmates.
