Sheriffs from southwest Indiana presented their needs to state legislators and local leaders Monday.
The so-called roundtable discussion – actually conducted in a rectangle – was hosted by the Indiana Sheriff’s Association at the Vanderburgh County Jail.
ISA Executive Director – and former Knox County Sheriff -- Steve Luce told the gathering about a new kind of inmate. "Nothing seems to really keep them out of jail. They get used to it. It's just a revolving door."
Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding pointed out that his jail -- designed for about 550 inmates -- has been housing more than 800. He said the county needs more money from the state. "Often times, it boils down to funding, which is absent."
The sheriffs also asked for help making schools more secure, dealing with mentally ill inmates, reducing opioid and heroin abuse, and fixing-up the state’s police academy.
After the discussion, State Senator Vaneta Becker of Evansville said several measures should be doable. "Increasing the amount per prisoner that the counties actually receive from thirty five to fifty five dollars, I think, is feasible. I also think getting more money for the law enforcement academy is feasible, as well as getting more money for mental health."
More meetings are scheduled across the state.