One of the largest budget items to be covered through the renewal of the penny sales tax extensions, known as SPLOST will be the expansion of the Bulloch County Jail.
Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown addressed some of the questions in the community regarding the need to expand the jail in a social media post. He said the expansion meets an urgent need to increase the county's jail capacity to accommodate a growing inmate population. Reflecting on his tenure, Sheriff Brown noted that the jail's capacity has increased from 28 inmates in the early 1990s to over 466 beds today. Despite these expansions, the facility is now operating at or near full capacity on a daily basis.
"As your Sheriff, it is my job to hold pre-trial inmates," Brown said. "It is not my job to punish inmates, but the primary role of the county jail is to securely detain pre-trial inmates until their trial dates. He highlighted the complexities involved in managing a diverse inmate population, including individuals with varying security risks, medical issues, and behavioral concerns. Due to these factors, a county jail is considered at full capacity when it reaches approximately 85% of its bed space.
The sheriff also pointed out that the county's population growth has contributed to the increasing jail population. He emphasized that without adequate jail space, law enforcement's ability to enforce laws effectively is compromised, noting that there are currently over a thousand unserved warrants in the county.
Sheriff Brown stresed the importance of proactive planning for a modern and secure facility with room for growth, rather than waiting until overcrowding becomes critical. He referenced a quote from former Sheriff Lynn Anderson, asking, "Do you want them in my house, or yours?" He urged the community to consider the implications of overcrowding on public safety and the well-being of both inmates and staff.
In response to the sheriff's concerns, Bulloch County officials have proposed a $60 million expansion to the jail as part of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) reconfiguration. This proposal aims to address the growing need for additional jail space and improve the overall capacity of the facility.
The county is also developing a master plan for future expansion, which includes considerations for the sheriff's office, jail beds, new correctional housing, and other related facilities. This comprehensive planning effort seeks to ensure that the county's correctional infrastructure meets the demands of its expanding population and evolving law enforcement needs.
Sheriff Brown's call for action underscores the critical need for timely and thoughtful planning to ensure the safety and security of the community, as well as the effective operation of the county's correctional facilities.
Below is Sheriff Browns full statement on the need to expand the jail.
