Government Leaders And Top Cops Work To Find Solution For Overcrowded Prison

PRENTISS CO., Miss. (WCBI) – Back in May, Prentiss County Sheriff Randy Tolar was told he would lose all state inmates at the jail, unless overcrowding was addressed, and corrected. The facility’s capacity was 70, and at one point, more than 130 inmates were being held.

“The only way we could regain our approval for housing state inmates would be to maintain a population of 70 or under,” Sheriff Tolar said.

That was accomplished , and meant some inmates were taken to Tishomingo County. Also, a 48 hour cap was put on people in the jail’s eight bed holding area. There is a lot at stake because state inmates provide a lot of work for the county, such as cooking for the jail, performing custodial work at the courthouse and other buildings, and they also pick up trash on public roads.

Since the federal mandate, Sheriff Tolar has also limited the number of beds for inmates brought in by the Booneville Police Department. Ten beds are set aside for city prisoners.

“We are still arresting people for misdemeanor crimes, it is probably, easier for a person to get out than normal,” said Booneville Police Chief Michael Ramey.

Right now there are sixty inmates in the Prentiss County Jail, although capacity is 70, with all the rules and regulations, that does not mean there are ten free beds.

“Today we only have four women, but you can’t count that as four, you have to count it as ten,” Sheriff Tolar said.

City and county leaders are working together to find a solution to a problem that will only get worse.

“It is a lot to take on, running a jail, is a lot of responsibility, it’s a costly venture, but we are required by law to provide a jail and that’s what we intend to do,” said Matt Murphy, president of the Prentiss County Board of Supervisors.

“We will come to a compromise, eventually, we have to, there is a solution out there to this problem, and I understand this is a problem other municipalities across the state are facing so there has got to be a solution somewhere,” said Booneville Mayor Chris Lindley.

Possible Options include expanding and renovating the current facility, or Booneville, and other cities and towns could join forces and build a municipal detention center.

The mayor and chancery clerk meet regularly and hope to have proposals soon for the board of alderman and supervisors.