Record Overcrowding At County Jail

Sun., Feb. 11, 1996

From Staff And Wire Reports

The Kootenai County jail set an unwanted record this weekend when it housed 87 inmates more than its capacity.

At noon Saturday, more than 210 inmates were being held in the 123-bed jail.

“We’re using every available housing space we have,” said Jail Sgt. Dan Gregg. “We’re pretty much doubled now.”

In 1994, the jail lost certification with the Idaho Sheriff’s Association because it housed 159 inmates. Sheriff’s officials have said they fear continued crowding may prompt a federal cap that would force the county to to ship inmates to other facilities.

“When it rains it pours,” Gregg said. “It’s gonna get worse before it gets better. “

Meanwhile, he said, detainees will continue to be locked up.

“We’re not going to house people on the roof,” he said. “We’re not going to put them in the lobby under their own supervision.”

, DataTimes MEMO: IDAHO HEADLINE: Kootenai County jail far over capacity

IDAHO HEADLINE: Kootenai County jail far over capacity

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