Kevin Krause at the Dallas News Crime Blog reports that the new Dallas County budget includes provisions to close one of the county's five jails to save money on staffing costs.
This should be a cautionary tale for communities like Smith County (Tyler) to the East of Dallas or McLennan (Waco) to the South which hope to solve overcrowding problems by expanding capacity. Even if you've got extra jail space, the biggest expense will be paying to adequately staff it. That may not be financially possible without large tax increases, even if a new jail gets built.
May close jail? JWP has decreed "it shall be done." The sheriff's department better get hoppin' or there will be hell to pay. After all, one doesn't cross Commissioner Price.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I can tell the county has yet to do a detailed staffing study of county jail facilities to see if this decision makes the most sense. Is the county making the best use of current staffing levels to help keep all jail facilities open with current staff while helping preserve public safety? Beats me.
ReplyDeleteAha, So if they close jails does that means that they would reduce the riots in jails and the guards would be in a better position to control people? Think about it.
ReplyDeleteSorry but I disagree with them. How can it be possible that the even think in closing jails to save money?? God!!
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