Jails Bursting At The Seams.....

We know that the jails are full here and in Colorado Springs but they are building a new wing at the Weld County Jail, and it just isn't enough. Too many people are filling Weld County's jail, and there is nowhere to put them.

The jail commander believes the crowding is related more to the length inmates are staying in jail, not the volume of inmates who come through the doors. That is due to many factors, including the severity of the crimes they are accused of committing; the length of sentences they could face if they plead guilty or are convicted; whether they have multiple charges; and so on.

Then there are the many meth addicts, mentally ill inmates and other repeat offenders.
District attorney Ken Buck says that they need to start a program to get meth users on treatment instead of stuck in jail, and get mental health treatment for inmates who need it.

The Weld County Jail's $17 million new wing is set to open next year, which will expand the jail to 779 beds. It will be full the day it opens, county officials say.

The jail's capacity is 405, but the population hasn't dipped below 500 since July 18, 2006, said Rick Dill, the jail commander.

The Article here