The jail population may reach capacity sooner now that jail inspection says inmates need more recreation area

BEDFORD – The jail population may reach capacity sooner now that a jail inspector says inmates need more recreation areas at the county jail, Sheriff Mike Branham told the commissioners Tuesday morning.

Sheriff Mike Branham said, the jail inspection is complete and he did get to review the report which has not been released but the county may face a problem.

Sheriff Mike Branham

“We were dinged on the lack of recreation area for inmates,” added Sheriff Branham. “The former recreation area was made into dorm housing for inmates and the outdoor recreation area floods when it rains. If we have to turn the dorm area back into a recreation area our capacity will decrease.”

The population at the jail this morning was at 61 percent capacity. There are 110 inmates being housed in the jail this morning. Of those 92 were males, 18 females, four level 6 felons, three Department of Correction holds, and two parole holds.

The Sheriff’s Department did receive a silver award from Lexipol for their new policy and custody manuals.

“Hopefully we will receive a gold next year,” Sheriff Branham added.