February 16, 2005

Idaho Department of Correction at 100% Capacity

By Michelle Krish

The Idaho Department of Correction is at 100% capacity. On top of that, the department estimates more than 1,300 inmates will be in the system in the next few years. As a result, they're taking steps to move some inmates out of state.

"My group is not going to stand by and watch this happen," said Kelly Winberg with Friends and Families of Idaho Inmates.

Winberg says her son is in prison and he doesn't want to move out of state, but he may not have a choice.

"We currently have about 6,000 beds and we have over 6,000 inmates. Even with county jail space, we're running out of room," said Teresa Jones with The Idaho Department of Correction.

The projections are worse. By the end of the year, there will be more than 450 inmates over capacity. Prison officials say they're planning to add more beds. However, court orders may limit how many beds can be added. "We do expect even with the added beds, we'll have to go out of state sometime in 2006," said Jones.

And possibly even sooner. Winberg says it boils down to the department holding onto too many non-violent offenders who have done their fixed time. "We should cut them loose," said Winberg.

Governor Kempthorne even discussed this issue in his state of the state address. "It's a time to take a good hard look at the number of inmates, as well as those on probation and parole," said Kempthorne.

Governor Kempthorne is creating a criminal justice commission. He hopes it will help the state get a handle on this growing problem.

In the meantime, The Idaho Department of Correction is asking for volunteers willing to do their time out of state. It's a move that's causing friction for some families. "People can't visit you can't afford the phone calls," said Winberg.

The Department of Correction admits it's not ideal, but a reality a number of inmates may be forced to face.

As a result, they're taking steps to move some inmates out of state.

There was just a segmant of the local news interviewing the DOC. They are saying it will cost the state $20.00 per day more then what is already costs.

Right now its costing about $50.00 a day to house a inmate. They are looking at sending 200 inmates out of state if they dont find a solution soon. If they send 200 inmates out at $70.00 a day its going to cost $5,110,000.00 a year.

Now if they would release inmates who are past fixed time then we wouldnt even be looking these numbers...Grrrrrrr

WHY do they keep their inmates past eligibility time anyway???? :mad: Some of them didn't complete their programmed classes, okay...but can't they continue to do that AFTER release? Just thinking here.....

WHY do they keep their inmates past eligibility time anyway???? :mad: Some of them didn't complete their programmed classes, okay...but can't they continue to do that AFTER release? Just thinking here.....
I agree with holding the ones who havnt programmed. They have to set some kind of criteria and goals for the inmate to reach. If the inamte doenst have the drive or desire to take the programs while he doenst have any obstacles in the way then whats to say he will take them when hes out. At least in he doesnt have anything preventing him from doing so.

Furthermore I think taking the programs should be up to the inmate to do. I dont think telling them to take the programs is really helping the inmate. However if the inmate inniciates(sp) taking the program then I think he will get more out of it.

I also think they need to have more programs avaliable for the inmates. Currently becuase the parole commission is telling the inmates who go to board they will be granted a date upon completion the list is long for those wanting in. This also means that those who are "told" to take the program have a better chance at getting in then those who just want to take it for themself