OC Sheriff Closes Section of Musick Jail
Bail Bond Blog News Comments (0)
News About bail bonds From The Blogosphere
Last week, the James A. Musick Jail, a 100-acre detention facility in Irvine better known as “The Farm”, shut down its East Compound. According to the Orange County Register, Orange County authorities are hoping to save $1 million by doing so. The move is yet another example of the economic challenges faced by the OC, a community that normally enjoys quite a reputation as the poster child for California affluence.
The OC Sheriff’s Department has had $20 million cut from its budget this year and more than $65 million is still expected to be slashed. “It is essential that we continue to evaluate our operation and identify potential cost savings.” Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said in a written statement. She also promised the closure would not result in early inmate releases or impact public safety in any way. Instead, about 40 Musick inmates will be transferred to the Central Jail Complex (OCJ) in Santa Ana or to the Theo Lacy Jail in Orange.
Interestingly, back in July, Orange County closed the Women’s Jail (physically located adjent to OCJ) and moved some of those inmates to Musick.
The 1,250 inmates currently housed at the Musick Facility are considered a low security risk. Most of them are incarcerated for DUIs, minor drug possession, burglary, failure to pay child support or prostitution. The Farm has a rehabilitation program that helps them receive a G.E.D. and it also offers them agricultural training.
Officials expected the jail’s population to increase in this weak economy, but they are now happy to report a decline. If this trend continues, even more sections will be closed.
The Sheriff’s Department may also still reopen the East Compound if it wins a contract from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house detainees, which could add a much needed $18 million back into their budget.
Provided by the following bail bondBlog News Site: OC Sheriff Closes Section of Musick Jail
Go To RSS Source
This article was written by admin on December 15, 2009