More jail beds, more safety? Sheriff says yes
EUGENE, Ore. - The Lane County Jail is about to get a lot busier, and the sheriff says that's good news for local public safety.
This weekend, the lights are going back on in G-dorm, part of the north annex of the Lane County Jail that's coming back to life.
That should mean more room for people accused of crimes or serving jail sentences -- and fewer people released early back into the community.
"We hope to substantially reduce the amount of dangerous offenders that we're releasing into the community," said Captain Doug Hooley, the Lane County Jail commander.
Here's the breakdown:
Last fiscal year saw 4,500 inmates cut loose early from the jail for lack of capacity.
This year, they expect the number to drop to 3,800
Officials say that's still too high, but it's a difference of 700 inmates.
So why should you care about the 84 beds?
Basically it means instead of releasing 13 people per day from the jail, that number will be cut to 10 per day.
"People say well, that isn't a lot, but the difference is those three that we keep in custody are the more violent ones," said County Sheriff Russ Burger.
The sheriff said they'll be able to hold more than 70 percent of the worst offenders who otherwise would be released early.
"I think it's a big step toward improving public safety," Burger said.
But how long will it last?
The money for the 84 beds at this wing is just for one year. Burger said it will be up to the community to take the lead on finding more solid jail funding.
The sheriff said he'll name a committee in the coming weeks to look at long term money options for the jail, which may or may not include a ballot measure next year asking voters to approve a new tax to support the jail.
