Caledonia Argus

Overcrowding at county jail noted at inspection

Posted: 6/24/03

by Jane Palen
Managing Editor

The Houston County jail failed to meet ìsubstantial complianceî in its last inspection, the county board learned at its meeting of June 17.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections requires that jails meet 100 percent of applicable mandatory rules. The county jail was in compliance with 98.3 per cent, or 114 out of the 116 rules. It received a rating of 97 per cent of essential rules. In order to be considered in compliance with essential rules, the jail must meet at least 90 percent of the rules. The jail meets all standards for health and safety, despite being the oldest jail in the state of Minnesota.

Sheriff Mike Lee and Jail Administrator Mark Schiltz told the board Tuesday, June 17, that separation of inmates is an obstacle to achieving 100 percent compliance with mandatory rules. State law requires separation of inmates for a variety of reasons. For example, sex offenders must be separated from the general jail population, and persons charged in the same crime must be kept in separate cells. Prisoners with disciplinary problems and those with mental illnesses are also supposed to be separated. Those on work release are also supposed to have separate housing.

Lee and Schiltz also noted that convicted felons from Houston County who are serving sentences in prison may serve the last 180 days of their sentences in the county jail. Although that hasnít affected the county jail population yet, it could be a factor in the future.

Currently, the Houston County Jail averages 12 inmates a day.

The other mandatory rule not in compliance was that the countyís written policy regarding classification of inmates does not work properly due to overcrowding.

Some essential rules not in compliance include a lack of space for physical activity and recreation.

Schiltz told The Argus that the results of the inspection mean that Houston County will be sending more inmates to other facilities in order to maintain separation of inmates and keep the population at the jail to the recommended capacity. But these measures come with a price. The county pays, on the average, about $75 per day per prisoner when it uses another facility, and also has the expense of transporting the prisoner to the facility, including mileage and wages for a deputy to transport the prisoner. Rates for the Houston County Jail are about $65/day. The county board was to meet Tuesday, June 24, to decide whether to charge prisoners $20 per day to help defray expenses.

There are times when overcrowding is unavoidable because other facilities are unable to accommodate Houston County prisoners.

Jail administrator Schiltz said that a response has already been drafted to the state addressing the concerns. Many facilities are in the same situation. The Department of Corrections says the county does an excellent job with the jail, despite the age of the facility, Schiltz said.

Houston County has a jail study committee which is exploring the needs of the county for a new facility.

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