A wing is now closed in the LaPorte County Jail after the LaPorte County Council did not approve a request for an additional appropriation of $70,000 to fund the jail overtime budget for the rest of the year. That money was to be used to properly staff jail operations. As a result, Sheriff Michael Mollenhauer said all overtime has been stopped.
Three part-time employees whose wages are funded from the overtime budget were laid off Tuesday.
This has forced the bed capacity to shrink to 306 beds which causes an overcrowding issue. 69 inmates from that wing were dispersed throughout the rest of the jail. The current population is 342.
Sheriff Mollenhauer has called upon the assistance of the court judges, local law enforcement officials and the Indiana State Jail Inspector’s Office to persuade the County Council to overturn its decision. He stated that this action has compromised the safety, security and liability concerns at the Sheriff’s Department and of the staff.
Discussion on the matter could take place at the next council meeting on October 22.
