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Sheriff reports jail overcapacity at times, requests committee review and action plan
Summary
Van Buren County Sheriff reported jail inspection findings, noted the facility’s rated capacity is 54 while daily counts have exceeded that (58 at the time of report; prior averages 70–80), and asked the court to review guidelines and refer oversight to the safety committee for an action plan.
During the meeting the sheriff told the Quorum Court that a recent jail inspection prompted a review office recommendation that the county assemble an action plan addressing population management and inmate safety.
The sheriff said the facility’s rated capacity is 54 and recorded a current population of 58 at the time of the inspection; he added that the jail had previously averaged 70–80 inmates on some inspection days. He asked the court to have the matter handled by the county safety committee and provided a guideline handout for members’ review.
Court members responded that the safety committee had handled jail-related issues in prior years and noted they could refer the inspection recommendations to that committee for follow-up. No formal motion to create a new committee was made during the meeting; the sheriff’s request prompted an agreement to review the materials and take up the issue as appropriate at a later meeting.
