WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | State Prisoners Pushing New Jail to Capacity

State Prisoners Pushing New Jail to Capacity

After just ten months, Muscogee County's new jail is almost to capacity. When the court system processes new inmates, the state won't take them.

So, hundreds of them sit in Muscogee County's jail.

"Right now, it's bed space. That's the problem. And the county jails are really suffering because they have to keep these inmates. And there's no where to put them," said Sheriff Ralph Johnson.

The Sheriff can't refuse to take a prisoner. And because of federal rules, he can't go over capacity.

Overcrowding isn't the only issue for the department. Next year, the state will not open 400 beds. And the year after that, it could close 13 facilities.

All due to budget cuts. Something other counties are fighting state-wide.

So, if the state won't do its job, and the jail fills to capacity...what will the Sheriff do?

"Well, then I guess local government will be mad at me. And the citizens will be also because I'll probably be asking for a new facility, it's the only option I have," said Johnson.

It cost taxpayers about $17 million for the new jail that opened in January 2003. It was paid for with sales tax money.

Here's a look at the population numbers:

In January, there were 783 inmates, 113 of which were state inmates.

In June, the number went up to 912, with 211 state prisoners.

In October, it jumped to 1038, with 255 state inmates.

The jail was built to hold 1057 prisoners.

Before asking for a new facility, the city and Georgia Sheriff's Association will plead with state lawmakers to keep state facilities open.

by Jo Giles

jgiles@wtvm.com