LITTLE ROCK, AR — Pulaski County Sheriff Doc Holladay said jail overcrowding poses a safety threat to his employees and the community.
Holladay plans to meet with local law enforcement leaders to address the jam-packed jail concerns this week.
The Pulaski County jail currently has 1,298 inmates, 88 more inmates than they have space for.
Some inmates are sleeping on mattresses on the floor.
Holladay said more than 400 inmates are state prisoners who are awaiting a trip back to state-run facilities.
But they’re still there because state correction leaders tell them they’re overcrowded in the prisons.
Holladay said it may come down to only accepting violent offenders.
“They have to understand that the county jails are not longterm holding facilities for state prisons. We have an obligation to local law enforcement,” Holladay said.
Governor Mike Beebe said he will recommend around $12 million to pay counties holding state inmates.
Holladay plans to meet with local law enforcement leaders to address the jam-packed jail concerns this week.
The Pulaski County jail currently has 1,298 inmates, 88 more inmates than they have space for.
Some inmates are sleeping on mattresses on the floor.
Holladay said more than 400 inmates are state prisoners who are awaiting a trip back to state-run facilities.
But they’re still there because state correction leaders tell them they’re overcrowded in the prisons.
Holladay said it may come down to only accepting violent offenders.
“They have to understand that the county jails are not longterm holding facilities for state prisons. We have an obligation to local law enforcement,” Holladay said.
Governor Mike Beebe said he will recommend around $12 million to pay counties holding state inmates.
