Kootenai County Sheriff's Department news release:

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reports hitting another all-time high inmate population at the Jail on July 5th.  The morning report showed a total of 457 inmates in custody, 130 more than the capacity of the current jail.  Nearly 78% of all inmates were in custody on one or more felony charges.

The Kootenai County Jail is currently designed to house a maximum number of 327 inmates.  Work is underway to do an addition to the jail.  Kootenai County Commissioners have approved the expansion for 114 beds to be finished with space available to complete an additional 108 beds.

Currently, Kootenai County ships inmates out to four other counties at an approximate minimum cost of $60.00 / day per inmate.  The report yesterday morning showed 77 inmates housed out of county.

The Sheriff’s Office is currently hiring deputies to work in the jail.  Information can be found at the Sheriff’s Office website at www.kcsheriff.com or the Kootenai County Human Resources website at http://www.kcgov.us/departments/personnel/joblist.asp

Question: Does news of the record inmate population at the jail bother you?

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