Repairs Needed To Keep Jail Open

RISON - Sheriff Jack Rodgers told the Cleveland County Quorum Court Monday night that he may have to close the county jail unless some much needed repairs are made. In response, the quorum court allotted him $50,000 to hire DLS Detention Services of San Antonio, Texas, to inspect the jail and make whatever repairs can be made during the inspection and assessment visit. One motivating factor behind the sheriff's request is that the jail will be undergoing a state inspection on July 21. Rodgers said he believes he can get an extension with the state should there be a plan in place to make the necessary repairs to bring the jail in compliance with the Criminal Detention Facilities Standards. The problems he described to the quorum court about the jail ranged from an ongoing leak in the roof to cell doors and locks not functioning properly. He also noted that he had one quote of $4,000 for a stainless steel toilet system that did not include installation. "If we don't get something done, the jail is fixing to be closed," Rodgers told the quorum court. Rodgers was originally scheduled to address the quorum court about the issue during its June meeting, but had to cancel at the last minute. The Cleveland County Jail is located in in the Joe Paul King Law Enforcement Building that is attached to the courthouse. Rodgers said it has bed space to detain 10 inmates. Overall, the jail consists of five cells with two beds in each cell. Four of those cells are in the main jail area while the other cell, usually used to hold prisoners that are in transport, is located in a separate area. State law requires inmates to be segregated by sex, age and criminal status. Male and female prisoners must be kept separate while juveniles under age 18 cannot be held in the same areas as adults. Also, those being held on misdemeanor charges must be detained separately from those charged with felonies. To stay in ...