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wanted for failing to appear in court. When police found him, the man led them on a high-speed motorcycle chase and eventually crashed into the side of one of the sheriff’s vehicles. Police took the man to the hospital, wrote him a ticket and released him.
Curry said traditionally the Flathead County jail would house a mixture of people accused or convicted of misdemeanor and felony crimes. But last month, when there were 108 inmates in the deten- tion center, 106 of them were charged with felonies.
Some of the most dangerous inmates are held in a maximum-se- curity wing. In each “pod,” two cells are connected to a common room with a table and a television. While some are critical of giv- ing inmates access to amenities, Curry said it helps occupy them and gives officers something to take away should the inmates misbehave.
When there are more inmates than beds, temporary “boats” are used in common rooms and just about anywhere else. The make- shift plastic beds look like sleds that can be spread out on the floor. While the “boats” are supposed to be temporary, they are used nearly every day in Flathead County.
Overcrowded jails also raise safety concerns for inmates and jail staff. When there are more inmates, fights are frequent and stress levels are higher, according to jail commander Jenny Root, who noted that there are at least five staff members in the jail at all times, with more during weekdays.
“When there are 105 inmates and five staff members, tensions get high,” Root said.
In 1985, when the jail was built, Flathead County’s population was approximately 57,600; today, more than 93,000 people live here. Curry noted that overcrowding is an old problem. He said when the jail first opened it filled up almost immediately, but now it’s at a “critical mass.”
Flathead County is currently looking at purchasing the former WalMart in Evergreen to house a new jail. Administrator Mike Pence said the county has already agreed to buy the 130,000-square- foot building located along U.S. Highway 2 from its current owners for approximately $2.8 million. The county is currently working on a formal buy-sell agreement, and it’s unclear when the deal will be
BY THE NUMBERS
FLATHEAD COUNTY DETENTION CENTER
63
Inmates the Flathead County Detention Center was built to hold in 1985
100
Average inmates at the Flathead County Detention Center in 2015
3,800
Approximate outstanding warrants in Flathead County, not including warrants in Whitefish, Columbia Falls or Kalispell
$ 3
What inmate workers are paid per day at the Flathead County Detention Center
$84
Approximate daily cost of housing, feeding and keeping one inmate at the Flathead County Detention Center
closed. After that, a feasibility study would be completed. If the deal goes through, local officials say it could still be years before it opens. Lake County is also looking to expand its jail, which can currently
accommodate 46 inmates, according to Sheriff Don Bell.
“Our jail is half the size of Lake County’s needs,” Bell said. “It’s frustrating, because I cannot protect the community as well as I need
to because I just don’t have the jail space.”
[email protected]
Jail commander Jenny Root shows the command room at the Flathead County jail.
GREG LINDSTROM | FLATHEAD BEACON
DEALER
LOGO AREA
Vehicle’s projected resale value is specific to the 2014 model year. For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a regis- tered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. • Covers normal factory scheduled service for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. See Toyota dealer for details and exclusions. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska. • Lease a new 2015 RAV4 LE for $179 a month for 24 months with $2,000 down and $2,829 due at signing. Due at signing costs include first month’s payment, $650 acquisition fee and $2,000 down payment. Example based on model #4432C. Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price $25,080. Monthly payments of $179 total $4,296. Net capitalized cost of $23,442 based on down payment and dealer participation, which may vary by dealer. Lease-end purchase option is $19,238.00 • Lease a New 2015 Prius Liftback (Two) for $189 a month for 24 months with $2,660 down and $3,499 due at signing plus $1500 Toyota Financial Services (TFS) Subvention Cash. Due at signing costs include first month’s payment, $650 acquisition fee and $2,660 down payment. Lease includes $1500 TFS subvention cash. Example based on model #1223A. Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price $24,200. Monthly payments of $189 total $4,536. Net capitalized cost of $21,692 based on down payment and dealer participation, which may vary by dealer. Lease end purchase option is $17,165.00 • Lease a New 2015 Corolla LE CVT (Gas) for $149 a month for 24 months with $1,700 down and $2,499 due at signing plus $1000 (TFS) Subvention Cash. Due at signing costs include first month’s payment, $650 acquisition fee and $1,700 down payment. Lease includes $1000 TFS subvention cash. Example based on model #1852E. Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price $18,565. Monthly payments of $149 total $3,576. Net capitalized cost of $16,854 based on down payment and dealer participation, which may vary by dealer. Lease end purchase option is $13,321.00. $1500 New 2015 Prius Liftback (Two) and $1000 New 2015 Corolla LE subvention cash from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) not applicable for cash back offers and must qualify for subvention cash though TFS. Payment may vary depending on final transaction price. Offers cannot be combined with any other offers, vary by region and are subject to availability. Security deposit waived. Closed-end lease. $350 disposition fee due at lease end unless customer purchases vehicle or decides to re-finance through TFS. Customer responsible for maintenance, excess wear and tear and $0.15 per mile over 12,000 miles per year. To qualified Tier I+ customers through TFS. Offers good in WA, OR, ID, and MT. For ID and MT state dealerships, a documentary service fee in an amount up to $350 may be added to vehicle price. For Washington state dealerships, a negotiable documentary service fee in an amount up to $150 may be added to sale price or capitalized cost. For Oregon state dealerships, a negotiable documentary service fee in an amount up to $100 may be added to vehicle price. Oregon state dealerships not using an electronic vehicle registration system may only apply fees up to $75 to vehicle price. Does not include taxes, license, title, processing fees, insurance, and dealer charges. See your local participating Toyota dealer for details. Must take retail delivery from dealer stock by 10/5/15.
2845 Hwy. 93 South
Kalispell, MT
406-755-6060 www.kalispelltoyota.com
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SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
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