Hamilton County looks to reduce cramped jail space by adding beds
NOBLESVILLE, Ind (WISH) – Nearly 25 years ago, the Hamilton County Correctional Facility opened. County commissioners will look at new plans showing how it could get a lot bigger.
The strong structure may not look weak, but county leaders say it’s bursting at the seams. The correctional center can house 300 inmates.
It is a limit tested by new sentencing guidelines, and more female arrests. It’s a problem Hunter Wagoner experienced recently during a stint inside.
“When I went in there they had people on cots and they had to lay on the floor and sleep on the floor, and for a bunk that was made for two people,” Wagoner said.
“Now you’ve got three grown men living in there, tensions can rise and it gets stressful at times,” he added.
On Wednesday, county leaders released the expansion plan. It would add 120 beds, and make other improvements.
The cost isn’t cheap. The inmate addition, as well as other upgrades could cost as much as $12 million.
“It needs to happen, but $12 million dollars is a lot and I know there are other areas in Hamilton County it could work on and it would benefit,” Wagoner said.
“You hate to see the spending, but if that’s what it costs, that’s what it’s going to cost,” Fishers resident Marion Hensley said.
Expanding the size of the jail and putting more inmates inside isn’t the only thing the county is looking at doing.
In the 20 year master plan, they want to make a number of upgrades, including improvements to the medical and mental health facility.
But first, the focus is to free jail space, however It won’t happen right away.
If approved, design, and construction could take two and half years. While it doesn’t create an immediate upgrade, Wagoner knows it’ll be worth the wait for people inside.
“I think the expansion is good, not only for the inmates but as far as the staff as well,” Wagoner said. “It’s not good to have an excess amount of people in a room.”
Commissioners and councilors will take a look at the plans next Thursday.