The Marshall County Jail inmate population remains at an all-time high with over 290 inmates.
Sheriff Matt Hassel told the Marshall County Commissioners Monday morning that some inmates are sleeping on mats on the floor as they’ve run out of regular cell space.
“We’re working on getting some cots in there so people aren’t on the floor, it’s grown that fast,” said Hassel. “We need to figure out a plan or alternative because our second rec room is becoming a barracks.”
The recommended capacity is 239.
Commissioner Mike Delp asked Sheriff Hassel when some inmates can be transferred to Elkhart County. Hassel replied that he hasn’t heard if the government leaders there have approved the intergovernmental agreement for housing inmates.
“Again, it’s only if they have space and the staff to take care of them,” commented Hassel.
“I think everybody else is full,” said Commission President Kevin Overmyer.
Hassel noted, “St. Joseph County is not, last time I talked to him. They’re having staffing issues. The only two that weren’t full at the time was Elkhart County and St. Joe County. Everyone else around us, Fulton County and Starke County, they’re pretty much maxed out.”
The commissioners continue to look into the possibility of adding a pod onto the Marshall County Jail facility. Architects from RQAW will be at the next meeting to discuss some items. The commissioners will also be getting updates from bond counsel representatives and other financial representatives to discuss financing such a project.
