Clark County justices address overcrowding, start talks for building new jail
A major problem at the current jail is overcrowding, Sheriff Jason Watson said, noting that the facility, constructed in 1985, is rated for 49 inmates, but has held as many as 60 at a time or as few as 35. Most of the time, though, he said the inmate count “is in the forties.” On Monday, he said the jail had 43 inmates, with six being held elsewhere. One prisoner was being held for another county due to safety concerns.
By: Joe May
The Southern Standard
After several years of discussing Clark County’s jail situation and at least one failed tax vote that would have expanded the current facility, the quorum court on Monday evening officially began the process of looking into a solution for future prisoner housing.
Sheriff Jason Watson addressed the court, giving members a copy of the Jail and Justice System Assessment made by the National Institute of Corrections Technical Assistance following a visit to the local facility in December 2024.
A major problem at the current jail is overcrowding, Watson said, noting that the facility, constructed in 1985, is rated for 49 inmates, but has held as many as 60 at a time or as few as 35. Most of the time, though, he said the inmate count “is in the forties.” On Monday, he said the jail had 43 inmates, with six being held elsewhere. One prisoner was being held for another county due to safety concerns.
Overcrowding is an issue faced by most counties in the state, Watson said, adding that officials must keep down the number of misdemeanor prisoners due to an abundance of those charged with felonies. Those prisoners who are not deemed dangerous are often released on ankle monitors, but since the public is aware that misdemeanor offenders often do not go to jail, there is a lack of respect for the judicial system leading many to commit more serious crimes, thinking they will not get jail time, he explained.
Justice of the Peace Vanilla Hannah agreed, noting that “reoccurring offenders” are also a problem because they know that by going to jail, they receive free housing, food and medical care.
“It’s something we have to stay on top of,” Watson said, adding that those who seek medical care in jail are only given medication for the time that they will be incarcerated, which cuts down on the amount spent on inmate medical bills.
Justice Michael Ankton asked if the assessment committee recommended a new jail for the county, to which Watson replied in the affirmative, stating that if the county proceeds with the option, the committee will come back to do a more in-depth study of the community to assess current and future facility needs.
