Fifteen Starke County prisoners are being housed in the Pulaski County Jail after it was decided by county officials and Sheriff Oscar Cowen that the extreme overcrowding was just too dangerous to allow it to continue.
Commissioner Kathy Norem said yesterday that she feared the overcrowding might trigger an outbreak of violence against other prisoners or jail staff. The overcrowding puts extreme pressure on the staff, which may have contributed partially to the recent escape.
Recently, the population ran over 80 prisoners, and it’s hoped that the measure will keep the prison population at 62 or below.
The housing of prisoners in Pulaski County is being accomplished under a temporary agreement.
