Overcrowding Continues to be Issue at Jackson County Jail

The Jackson County Jail consistently reported the highest amount of releases due to overcrowding in the state of Oregon over the last six years.

According to officials, from 2016 through 2021, the Jackson County Jail has averaged more than 5,300 overcrowding releases per year. These 30,900 forced releases are the most overcrowding related releases reported from any jail in Oregon during this time period.

Beginning this Wednesday, June 29^th the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) will provide updates showing a snapshot of the people recently released from the Jackson County Jail due to overcrowding.

The Jackson County Jail has an operational capacity of 300, although that number has been much lower the last couple years because of precautions put in place due to the Coronavirus. When the jail population exceeds that capacity, Jail Staff must release an individual with orders to appear in court at a later date. When releases are required, JCSO leadership utilizes a proven standardized assessment tool with the intention of releasing individuals who are at the lowest risk to re-offend while awaiting trial.

More than half of the jail’s population is ineligible for pre-trial release due to the nature of their charges. This population includes Measure 11 offenders awaiting trial for murder, manslaughter, sex offenses, and other serious crimes.

Courtesy of JCSO