
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 1, 1990                   TAG: 9003310379
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV6   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Neal Thompson
DATELINE:    RADFORD -                                 LENGTH: Short

REPORT SUGGESTS A REGIONAL JAIL

A report on overcrowding in Radford's jail and police department has recommended that City Council consider a regional jail as a solution to the problem.

"The demand for jail space is increasing and will grow even more in the next decade," the March 11 report says. "Our recommendation is a regional jail."

Regional jails hold prisoners from several jurisdictions. There are six regional jails in the state. The one closest to the New River Valley is in Rockbridge County, about 100 miles north by Interstate 81.

The Radford jail is "too small for current needs," according to the report by a committee of six citizens. And it also is not designed to hold female or mentally disturbed inmates, who must frequently be transferred as far away as Bedford or Staunton.

The report, which has been mailed to members of City Council and other city departments, says that up to $600,000 in state funds is available for each city or county participating in a regional jail.

Also, if the jail also accepts federal prisoners it could be eligible for federal funding that could sustain future operating costs, the report says.

Last week, plans were announced for a regional jail to serve Pulaski, Bland, Wythe and Carrol counties.

The plan was presented to the Bland County Board of Supervisors after the sheriffs of Bland and Wythe counties had met with state Department of Corrections officials.

Although the plan did not include the city of Radford, Pulaski County Sheriff Frank Conner said he supported the plan, which could relieve overcrowding in the Pulaski County Jail.

by CNB