Hennepin County delays vote to fund jail annex

This is interesting. The DOC says that the Hennepin County Jail must reduce it's inmate count from over 800 to 600 because of low staff to inmate ratios.  They have a new deadline of December 5th to comply.

The Sheriff's Office and the County have two choices. Hire enough staff, which is a slow process or reduce inmate population through annexing or releasing inmates.

With a deadline looming the Hennepin County Board chose to delay the vote!

Full Story here 

I know I'm the Sheriff, but I need your help, "Witt told the board saying the Hennepin County jail has to comply with new State restrictions that take effect Dec. 5. Otherwise she might have to tell area police chiefs there is no room for new prisoners. We have to figure it out."

It's a sad day when the County can't keep enough Detention Deputies to staff the jail which is a basic constitutional function of the Sheriff's Office.

It's even sadder that they risk leaving criminals to run loose in the County.