The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is facing overcrowding in its male prison facilities, prompting the agency to implement a waitlist system to decide who to admit first. With roughly 150 more male prisoners than available beds, the agency has been sending inmates to county jails, but those facilities are now full as well. The prioritization plan will prioritize admissions based on the severity of crimes, with violent felonies being considered higher priority than nonviolent misdemeanors. Public safety remains the agency’s top priority during this process, and no one will be released early to make room for new admissions.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is also considering medical needs and the length of sentences when determining placement on the waitlist. Reimbursement will now be provided to county jails holding inmates waiting to be admitted to state prison. The agency has requested additional state funding to house more inmates at the Missouri River Correctional Center in Bismarck, but this request was withdrawn due to concerns over statutory authority.
The overcrowding in North Dakota’s prisons is impacting county jails as well, with the Cass County Jail being over capacity for the past couple of years. The sheriff stated that they have had to deny access to over 900 individuals due to lack of space. Despite these challenges, the agency is committed to public safety and finding solutions in collaboration with county facilities.
Source
Photo credit northdakotamonitor.com