Delaware County officials considering expanding jail

JAY, Okla. (AP) -- After being threatened with possible state fines, Delaware County officials are considering solutions to the problem of overcrowding at the county jail.<br/><br/>County commissioners

Tuesday, April 4th 2006, 6:21 am

By: News On 6

JAY, Okla. (AP) -- After being threatened with possible state fines, Delaware County officials are considering solutions to the problem of overcrowding at the county jail.

County commissioners say that expanding the jail is one option, although county Sheriff Jay Blackfox says no solution has been determined.

Last week, state jail inspector Don Garrison said the county jail houses an average of 80 inmates daily. That's 19 more than it's designed to hold.

Garrison gave the county has 45 days to solve the problem or face fines.

Blackfox says solutions could include releasing nonviolent offenders on their own recognizance, adding on to the current jail or leasing temporary portable facilities.