Housing additional pre-trial offenders at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio (CCNO) to alleviate potential overcrowding at the Lucas County Jail in Toledo was discussed in depth during a special executive committee board meeting held Monday.
Jim Dennis, CCNO Executive Director, said the option is being prompted by a ruling expected any day now, by Judge James Carr of the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, regarding overcrowding at the Lucas County Jail. If Judge Carr imposes a hard cap on the Lucas County Jail population, it could result in the back door at the Lucas County Jail being closed to Lucas County law enforcement officers.
CCNO Board Chair Dave Westrick voiced concern that Toledo police officers would be taken off the street for longer periods of time if they have to transport offenders to CCNO. Sheriff Westrick asked officials from Lucas County and the City of Toledo to reach a compromise on the outstanding issues.
Dennis said CCNO will work with Lucas County Jail staff to accept pretrial non-violent misdemeanants from Toledo and other municipalities in Lucas County. He also said on Monday, that CCNO would accept some non violent offenders that are currently detained at the Lucas County Jail.