Riley County police report rising jail population, juvenile holds strain resources

Mark French, of the Riley County Police Department, told commissioners on June 1 that patrols were unusually busy over the weekend and that the county jail—ontinues to see rising occupancy. "Yesterday morning at 06:30 I get two reports every day... Yesterday morning, we had a 140... but more importantly... the ADP number we talk about... was at a 153," French said, adding that the county was holding 10 juveniles in custody. He said eight inmates were currently housed off‑site, which left roughly 132 inmates in the facility against a 147‑bed capacity.

French said the higher numbers have driven up operational costs and placed additional burdens on transports and medical care. "As county commissioners, you're aware of the expenses related to that, and I would advise you it's probably something you need with your finance department," he said, noting that transport costs and overtime are increasing as the county moves inmates between facilities.

French also described steps the jail has taken to manage volume and costs, including switching to a local laundry vendor to cut detergent costs and completing wiring and door repairs funded in capital improvement projects. He warned, however, that the balance of beds and the need to house juveniles in specialized placements are creating scheduling and expense pressures.

Commissioners did not take formal action during the report; French—nded by inviting commissioners to visit the facility and to follow up with county finance staff about the fiscal implications of transports and off‑site housing. The commission moved on to other agenda items after the update.