Restricting the number of inmates in the LeFlore County jail

(Poteau-AP) -- Officials in LeFlore County are trying to cut down on the number of people in jail by restricting the number of offenders incarcerated. <br><br>LeFlore County officials say the Sheriff's

Thursday, November 20th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Poteau-AP) -- Officials in LeFlore County are trying to cut down on the number of people in jail by restricting the number of offenders incarcerated.

LeFlore County officials say the Sheriff's Department was told they could be fined $10,000 a day for having more than 57 inmates in the jail located on the fourth floor of the county courthouse.

Now the sheriff has to be contacted before an offender can be jailed.

Jail Administrator Barry Ammons says the jail isn't turning away felony offenders, but if the LeFlore County jail is full then prisoners will be sent to neighboring counties.

Ammons says many officers are issuing citations and providing court dates to offenders who would normally be jailed.