Ward County Jail Overcrowding | Video

Sarahbeth Ackerman | 10/4/2012

Inmates at the Ward County jail and courthouse staff have something in common: overcrowding.

"Overcrowding for us, and the big thing is, well of course, there`s the problem of where to put them," said Ward County jailer Penny J.

That`s just one of the problems that Penny faces on a daily basis. Right now the jail is holding 106 inmates, but only have room for 104. With the growing numbers, the jail does not have the space for newcomers.

"It`s kinda your having to decide who stays in and who doesn`t, its not really where you want to be it`s the necessarily evil I mean I guess with being overcrowded."

They are not the only people living under close conditions, the courthouse staff are sharing offices as well. In order to alleviate the space issue, the committee proposed an expansion project.

The project plans to to renovate the courthouse and expand the jail. In addition, they plan to put $10 million into repairing county bridges and roads.

"It is definitely space needs, and also they are renting facilities not attached to the building to house their social services. It would bring everything to one central location."

The plan has been set in motion, if it passes in November, the resolution will go to state to process for the first quarter.

Until that happens, the jail and courthouse will continue to outgrow the current facilities.

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