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Okaloosa corrections chief details programs, capacity; county developing master plan for new jail
Summary
John Morin, chief of the Department of Corrections, reported July 22 on staffing, inmate services and rehabilitation programs while county staff said they have engaged a consultant to produce a master plan for a new jail, including phasing and cost estimates for a proposed 2,000‑bed facility.
John Morin, chief of the Okaloosa County Department of Corrections, briefed commissioners July 22 on facility operations, staffing, programs and plans to address capacity pressures.
Morin told the board the facility’s total bed design is 594 and that current capacity was 564 at the time of his presentation. He described current accomplishments—staff training, cadet and certification programs and the introduction of a body‑scanner for contraband detection—and highlighted inmate programs the facility is reinstating or expanding, including culinary training, ServSafe, HVAC certification and GED classes.
Morin said the corrections department is also participating in the county’s medication‑assisted treatment and post‑arrest follow‑up programs and described a recent success where staff coordinated transport and follow‑up care for people entering treatment.
Commissioners and staff also discussed population and capacity issues. Morin noted the facility design capacity and the current operational count and acknowledged high turnover and frequent short stays among people booked into the jail. He confirmed routine vacancies in staffing were being filled through cadet programs and external training partnerships.
County staff reported they have engaged a consultant to develop a jail master plan that contemplates phasing and a larger facility; staff said the draft plan envisions a 2,000‑bed buildout and that the consultant’s report is nearing completion. Property and financing options, including potential surtax timing and other revenue sources, are under review. The county said the consultant’s report will be presented to the board when complete.
Morin also provided operational details requested by commissioners, including a cited current food cost of about $1.68 per inmate per day and explanations of medical and specialty care processes inside the facility.
No binding procurement or funding decisions were made during the workshop; staff said they would return with the consultant’s final report and options for phasing and financing.
