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Thurston County creates jail space crisis work group to pursue short- and long-term options
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners voted to form a work group to address overcrowding, cell shortages and behavioral-health needs at the county jail and to return recommendations, including cost estimates for several options.
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 4 agreed to form a jail space crisis work group and directed the county manager to convene stakeholders to produce short- and long-term options, including cost estimates. Commissioners appointed Commissioner Menser and Commissioner Rachel Grant to represent the board on the group.
The board acted after Sheriff Sanders told commissioners the jail is operating at or beyond designed capacity and that lack of cell space, combined with an increasing number of people with serious mental-health needs, is creating safety and legal risks. "We are at max capacity to the point where we told patrol deputies, if you don't have to take anyone to jail over the weekend, please don't," Sheriff Sanders said, arguing for an urgent, coordinated response.
The work group will gather…
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