Increase in Arrests Creates Overcrowding, Officials Say

SAN ANTONIO — County leaders say an increase in arrests by the police department’s crime response unit as the main reason for overcrowding at Bexar County Jail.

The crime unit has arrested thousands of people for felonies and misdemeanors since it was formed in June. City commissioners say they will vote to send prisoners to jails in other counties to relieve the overcrowding, which would cost $50 a day for each inmate.

County commissioners suggested that those charged with misdemeanors be handed a court summons, and jailed if they fail to appear.