Hoquiam Jail Project Now Welcomes Larger Inmate Capacity

HOQUIAM, Wash. — A recently completed expansion of the Hoquiam Jail in Hoquiam will soon pay for itself, as reported by The Daily World. Police Chief Jeff Myers told the local newspaper that the newly expanded jail, which reopened April 1, now offers a greater inmate capacity. The additional bed space allows the facility to expand its contract with the Washington Department of Corrections to house felony probation violators at a cost of $85 per day.

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Suit Claims Jail Renovations Put Inmate, Employee Health at Risk

SANTA FE, N.M. — Citing a number of dangerous health impacts from blurred vision to chronic nosebleeds, inmates at the Santa Fe County Jail allege in a new lawsuit that their health was repeatedly put at risk during ongoing jail improvement and renovation projects in 2014. The suit, which was filed March 11, is requesting class action status.

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Livingston County Jail Expansion Project Nears Milestone

LIVINGSTON, Mich. — The first phase of construction on the expansion of the Livingston County Jail is now just days away from completion, and is anticipated to open in late November. The expansion will increase the jail’s current capacity of just 254 to 411, alleviating an overcrowding problem that has long plagued the county.

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Dutchess County Jail Anticipates New Temporary Housing

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Two new temporary housing units approved for use at the chronically overcrowded Dutchess County Jail in Poughkeepsie are now set to open in May.

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North Dakota County Begins Jail Expansion Process

MINOT, N.D. — Following the approval of a $24 million bond proposal, Ward County, N.D., commissioners in Minot are now meeting with financial professionals to begin the borrowing process for a new 100-bed jail expansion. The project will more than double the size of the existing facility and received considerable community support.

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Dane County May Opt for Gradual Jail Renovation

DANE COUNTY, Wis. — Four months after they rejected a $150 million proposal to construct a new jail, Dane County, Wis., board members are now leaning toward a gradual overhaul of the county’s existing correctional infrastructure. The sweeping renovation would address a number of current deficiencies, including the lack of proper facilities for mentally ill inmates and programming space, as well as safety issues.

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High Security Unit Opens at Rikers

NEW YORK — A new enhanced supervision housing unit opened within Rikers Island’s Otis Bantum Correctional Center in New York on Feb. 22. The recently renovated unit is designed to house up to 50 of the facility’s most violent inmates, though it will hold just 20 for the time being, better ensuring the safety of fellow inmates and correctional staff. The project was funded through Mayor Bill DeBlasio’s $27 million commitment to close security gaps at the facility.

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Detroit Commissioners Vote Against Jail Relocation

DETROIT — Wayne County Commissioners have scrapped plans to relocate the county’s jail to the vacant Mound Road Correctional Facility by a vote of 12-3. The Oct. 16 decision will narrow the board’s focus to either completing the half-finished downtown jail or renovating other existing correctional facilities.

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