NCJ Number
112613
Journal
American Jails Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1988) Pages: 60-62
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
As in other jurisdictions, jails in Tennessee have experienced significant increases in the inmate population, and overcrowding has become a major concern.
Abstract
Since October 1985, the census for five Davidson County Sheriff's facilities has increased 87 percent. Factors contributing to this increase include mandatory jail terms for drunk drivers, increased housing of State prisoners, more arrests, and an increased crime rate. The diversity of inmates held at Davidson County facilities compounds the overcrowding problem. It often is difficult to use facilities in the way they were designed to be used, and it has become increasingly difficult to classify inmates effectively. In response to a backlog of 2,000 jail-sentenced driving-under-the-influence offenders in 1987, the County began to explore alternate means of housing. Leasing a building from the State at a local mental health institution resulted in a gain of 80 beds and reduced the backlog by almost 50 percent by the end of 1987. The County also is considering using electronic surveillance technology so that nonviolent misdemeanants can serve their sentences at home. A demonstration project is using a transportable dormitory-type facility that houses eight inmates. Such units can be quickly set up, are in compliance with codes, are self-contained and furnished, and can be located within secure compounds. Effective alternatives to traditional detention can do much to ease overcrowding in jails.