Miscellaneous

Interbranch Success in WV

By Anne Skove, Esq.

Getting the best minds in the room is essential when solving a problem. Getting all three branches of government in the room helps, too.

That's what happened in West Virginia, where strides are being made to reduce jail overcrowding. The state court administrator is a former executive director os the state Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority, so he brings a lot to the table.

State budgets being what they are, the decision was made to allow pre-trial release for some people charged with non-violent misdemeanors and felonies. Rather than house them in jail on bond for $48/day, one county pays $5/day to support drug testing and supervision.

Sure, everyone in jail isn't supposed to be there, (just like every person pulled over for DUI only had 2 beers) but some people really could be elsewhere.

Inmates (or are they outmates?) wear a GPS device (not sure who pays for these) or are restricted to their homes. They must report to a pre-trial officer and (if deemed necessary) pass drug tests. They may be permitted to go to work -- a good thing for the economy, families, and taxpayers.

Has it worked? Reportedly, yes. One county has brought its 40-person/day population down to about 15/day.

New legislation establishes five such pilots around the state. The state supreme court will provide the state legislature with an annual report on the project's progress.

See Bill Will Allow Five Pre-trial Release Pilot Projects, Chris Dickerson, West Virginia Record (May 21, 2009).

See also Elected Officials to Blame for Harris Jail Overcrowding, Says Editorial, Grits for Breakfast (May 9 2008), which notes that there are negative interbranch forces at work, too.

Full post as published by court-o-rama.org on May 21, 2009 (boomark / email).