Jail Cutback Reaction

Wednesday’s release of 39 inmates from the Josephine County Jail had a familiar ring to people living in Klamath County…

Klamath County Jail Commander Jeanette Davidson says she understands what her counterparts in Josephine County are going through. “Right now, they’re on a cliff about to fall off, and we feel their pain.”

In June of 2010, a tight budget resulted in a cutback in the number of available beds at the Klamath County Jail – with 154 beds being cut down to just 64.

Many of those arrested then were booked and released, and then failed to appear in court.

Klamath Falls residents have some tips for their friends in Grants Pass:

“I would say use common sense, and lock your doors more. Just be cautious, and more secure.” – Abigail Nelson

“Just watch out for each other. And take the law into your own hands if you have to. Because nobody else is going to help you.” – Bob Mayfield

“The only way to protect the people is to get more police on the street, I believe.”- Jerry Maddox

Tapping into Klamath County’s 100 million dollar road fund reserve has boosted jail capacity to 116. But Lieutenant Davidson notes that number of beds isn’t guaranteed…

“We’re hoping that with the road fund piece, that we’ll be able to cobble together funding to keep it open for a year, and then see what the commissioners want to do.”

And, what the taxpayers are willing to fund.

Lieutenant Davidson says that she could still use more jail beds. Over the Memorial Day weekend, 17 inmates were released to make room for those coming in on more serious charges.

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