May 10, 2016

Sheriff Says Marion County Jail Is In 'Crisis Mode'

Associated Press
Marion County is paying other counties in Indiana and Kentucky to house defendants in their jails. - file photo

Marion County is paying other counties in Indiana and Kentucky to house defendants in their jails.

file photo

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Marion County sheriff says the jail is in "crisis mode" due to inmate overcrowding and it'll only get worse in the summer when crime tends to spike.

County officials have come up with a temporary solution, but it could cost thousands of dollars if it continues long term. The Indianapolis Star reports that the county is paying other counties in Indiana and Kentucky to house defendants in their jails.

Officials say the problem stems from rising violent crime in Indianapolis and a state law that sends low-level offenders from state prisons to county jails.

The county's law enforcement leaders and some City-County Council members met Monday afternoon to discuss the problem, but no long-term solutions were proposed.

Jail officials say they're seeking a rental space for inmate overflow.

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