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Consultant: Lincoln County jail operating well over recommended capacity; renovation or replacement likely long-term
Summary
An RS Security draft study found the county jail's average daily population (~32) significantly exceeds recommended operational capacity under ACA standards (~11) and rated capacity (~15 under Montana standards), highlighting safety, classification and ADA concerns and recommending planning for renovation or replacement.
An RS Security consultant told the commission a draft jail capacity study documents safety, capacity and compliance deficiencies at the Lincoln County Jail and recommends the county begin planning for either a renovation or eventual replacement.
“Your emergency capacity based on ACA would be about 20 beds. Your rated beds would be about 15 and your recommended capacity based on the way the facility is right now would be about 11,” consultant Rich Sitins said, summarizing the study’s comparison of the jail against American Correctional Association standards and Montana standards. Sitins and staff noted the county’s recent average daily population is about 32, putting the facility in sustained overcrowded and emergency operating status.
The study identifies a series of operational and physical problems: many original cell doors have been removed, producing dormitory-style housing that prevents effective classification and separation; movement corridors lack secure separation; visibility has blind spots despite added cameras; door control and communications are largely manual rather than electronic; intake and transfer lack a secure sally port; stair-only circulation creates ADA and egress concerns; and there is limited dedicated medical-exam space. Sitins warned these conditions increase liability and operational risk.
Sheriff’s staff and commissioners said the report provides the first consolidated assessment they can use to plan next steps. Sitins suggested the county schedule a longer in-person presentation to walk through details and cost scenarios; he cautioned that even with prompt action, major projects can take years to complete and costs can escalate if delayed.
The commission agreed to finalize the draft and schedule a full presentation so commissioners can review options for addressing capacity and safety shortfalls.
