Eugene, Ore. (KMTR) - The Lane County Jail had to let 115 inmates out last week due to a lack of jail beds. Since closing 96 jail beds in June the number of people being released has skyrocketed – growing from 30 to 40 a week to 90 and 100.It’s discouraging numbers for officers trying to keep the community safe.
Deputies say every time capacity is reached inmates are evaluated to determine who is the least dangerous. That person is then looked at for possible release.
Of the 115 released last week due to lack of jail beds, a majority of those released were in jail for parole violations.
The jail currently has 152 open beds. A county the size of Lane County should have around a thousand beds.
