Public Safety Compromised by Jail Closure?
By: Mario Boone
Updated: October 17, 2009
State auditors declared the Little River County Jail unsafe. A state report cites several problems with the lockup. In a matter of months the jail could be forced to shut down. County officials hoped to build a new jail with money from a special tax. Those hopes were dashed when voters rejected the idea.
Now, the sheriff says 911 calls could see increased response times if deputies have to travel longer distances to other jails. Some fear officers won't have help on the street in a life or death situation. Chief deputy Ronnie Kennedy says a 45 minute DWI arrest could turn into a 2-hour ordeal for officers.
State auditors will be back in Little River County in November to decide the jail's fate.
Now, the sheriff says 911 calls could see increased response times if deputies have to travel longer distances to other jails. Some fear officers won't have help on the street in a life or death situation. Chief deputy Ronnie Kennedy says a 45 minute DWI arrest could turn into a 2-hour ordeal for officers.
State auditors will be back in Little River County in November to decide the jail's fate.
