1. OVERCROWDING IN THE SKAGIT COUNTY JAIL

2. The Video Production  Everything we have drawn on is from the Voorhis Associates Inc. 2005 and 2008 Master Plans  As the video producers, we are not qualified to make suggestions or recommend solutions, just present data  We are producing an overview of the issues for the layman  Audience: General public  Message: The jail is overcrowded and we are in need of immediate solutions to correct the problem  Purpose: Generate discussion regarding the Justice Center and our overcrowding problem

3. The History  Opened in 1984 with 83 beds  Funded through a grant from a now defunct Washington State Jail Standards commission  Regardless of layout and design constraints, the jail was constructed

4. The Current Condition  The jail is now overcrowded and expanding the core facility is not a workable alternative  With the expected population increase, the overcrowding problem will continue to cause serious problems  The facility is inadequate, technologically lagging, and not fulfilling its intended purpose

5. The Facts  High degree of recidivism –2/3 return within 3 years  Aging population and large financial burden related to this  The average length of stay is a problem and the long-term population is a root cause of the overcrowding  Almost 27 days in 2005  9% held for more than 30 days. This 9% accounts for 75% of all jail space used.  Substance abuse is a significant problem in Skagit County  Mental illness and substance abuse filings increased 183% between 1998 and 2007  The most common reasons for incarceration are drug and alcohol offenses

6. The Impacts  Since 2004, bookings have decreased  Not correlated to a lack of offenses; no space available  Public safety is at risk  Early releases affect the community both collectively and individually  When public safety deteriorates, so does the quality of life in Skagit County

7. The Recommendations The Big Picture Replace the existing jail with a new Community Justice Center Hire more full-time employees to provide more in-house rehabilitation programs The Problems Funding Design and construction time Constituency

9. The Fine Print  Reducing recidivism and lengths of stay will reduce the jail population  Need to treat felons like drug and alcohol treatment centers treat substance abusers  Any form of solution needs to involve existing community resources  Good release procedure (Housing, job opportunities, support system)  Local effort  Productive and proactive aftercare process  Case expediter  Continue and expand community programs facilitated by the Sheriff’s office

10. Needed Action  We have recommended solutions  This is a much larger issue than the public realizes  This is about more than the jail population  Crime and its effects will continue to rise because we are failing to deal with the problem properly  Financial burden associated with the problem  This is not high enough of a priority at this time  It’s time to address the problem  We need leadership and workable programs before we will gain public support