Sheriff Tanksley updates Whatcom County's modified booking restrictions for jail capacity management

Whatcom County's Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force (IPRTF) convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss significant changes to booking restrictions at the county jail, a move aimed at improving law enforcement's ability to manage crime effectively. Sheriff Tanksley led the conversation, providing a historical context for the booking restrictions that have been in place since the jail's opening in 1984.

The sheriff explained that these restrictions were initially implemented to manage jail capacity but became increasingly problematic, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to a backlog of thousands of warrants, as individuals wanted for crimes could not be booked due to stringent restrictions. This situation created a cycle where offenders were not held accountable, exacerbating crime rates in the community.

In February 2025, Sheriff Tanksley modified the booking restrictions to focus on jail capacity rather than solely on the nature of charges. This change allows law enforcement agencies to access real-time data on jail availability through a new computer system, enabling them to determine whether they can book individuals based on current conditions. The system categorizes booking availability into three levels: green, yellow, and red, indicating the types of offenses that can be booked at any given time.

Currently, the jail is operating at a "green" level for male bookings, meaning all charges can be processed, while female bookings are at a "red" level due to lower capacity for female inmates. This adjustment is expected to enhance the efficiency of the booking process and improve public safety by ensuring that law enforcement can act decisively against offenders.

The meeting also included discussions about the historical consequences of booking restrictions, with various attendees contributing insights on how these changes will impact their jurisdictions. The task force's focus on these issues underscores a commitment to addressing the challenges of incarceration and crime prevention in Whatcom County.

As the community looks ahead, the modifications to booking restrictions represent a proactive step towards reducing crime and improving the overall effectiveness of the justice system in the region.