If they can demonstrate some commitment to show up in court then they can be released. These people are accused, but innocent until convicted and must be treated like any citizen with their constitutional rights fully protected. Those in prison do not have the same rights as those in jail. What we try to promote with our staff is a duty and honor of service to the public. Many who work for the Sheriff s Department are just beginning their law enforcement career and have plans to move to higher levels of authority.
Private companies don t have the same motivation.
Today, there are three lawsuits filed concerning the operation of the new jail. The Fraternal Order of Police No. 188 filed in September after the Criminal Justice Authority voted to privatize the jail. Their lawsuit questions the validity of the authority. The Criminal Justice Authority is organized under Title 60. Judge Petterson heard their lawsuit and rendered a decision that the Authority should have been organized under Title 19.