Washington County Retakes Control of Old Jail, Future Plans Uncertain
Washington County has regained control of its old jail, leaving the future usage of the facility uncertain. This development comes after a successful women’s prison in downtown Fayetteville, operated by the state, is closing. The county had initially leased the facility to the state for a year, but the arrangement was terminated by Washington County Judge Deakins earlier this year due to insufficient reimbursement for holding state prisoners in local county jails.
The state prison facility, which was known for its rehabilitation-focused approach, including social workers, addiction counselors, and volunteer programs, had shown success in reducing recidivism among its inmate population. However, Deakins expressed dissatisfaction with the partnership, citing the one-way financial arrangement and the state’s failure to fully reimburse the county for holding prisoners. This led to the proposal for the state to continue using the jail if it agreed to fully reimburse the county for holding state prisoners, which did not materialize.
With the old jail returning to the county, several options for its usage are being considered. Deakins has indicated that it will not be used for traditional incarceration but will offer a range of programs. The facility could potentially mirror the state’s approach, focusing on rehabilitation and alternative incarceration methods. This shift is part of a broader effort to improve the local criminal justice system, addressing concerns such as jail crowding and the inefficiency of traditional incarceration methods. The exact plans for the old jail are still uncertain but will likely involve coordination between local authorities, the sheriff’s office, and the Quorum Court, which controls the annual budget.
