Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 15, 1990 TAG: 9006140353
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM ZEOLI SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
"We didn't expect to find much wrong. Unfortunately, that didn't last long," said Jim Dickenson, a member of the study committee that reviewed the facilities.
Other committee members were Guy Gillmore and Mack Harvey.
"All three areas can use improvements, especially in space and security. We realized what people have to deal with if they are taken to one of these facilities," said Dickenson.
The thing that bothered the committee about the police department was the "total inadequacy of the facilities." The committee said the space was too crowded and the building itself was in bad shape.
The 911 phone system equipment has added to the congestion. If there were many people around, the committee said, it would be hard to handle the equipment because of lack of space.
Security was another problem that the committee had with the police department. Committee members said security is a real problem because on an active night it would be hard to control a disturbance if one broke out.
The committee did, however, have some good words to say.
"The police force should be commended for what they have done with what they have," Dickenson said.
The committee's report said court facilities also had their share of problems. Security was the main concern, because city offices and the courtrooms aren't separated. Everyone has to travel in a common area.
"There is no separation from court business and city business. This could cause a problem if someone going to court were to get violent. Innocent people could be hurt," Gillmore said.
Space was also a problem in the judicial facilities. The committee said there is not enough room for city officials to operate. The committee members said file space is getting low and noted the importance of protecting city records. Harvey suggested that the city look into an electronic data base for file storage.
Another complaint was that there was no good place to hold prisoners while they await trial. According to the committee, the rooms that are used are not escape-proof.
Concerning the jail, the study committee said this facility was "an education in itself."
The jail does not have the proper facilities to hold females or mentally handicapped prisoners. The committee said it was very costly to transport these prisoners elsewhere.
A regional jail was what the committee recommended. "We feel there is enough interest in surrounding counties to pursue this option," said Dickenson.
City Council said interest has been expressed by Pulaski County and Floyd, Bland and Montgomery counties concerning a regional jail, but no final commitment has been made. Council decided to write a letter to all interested jurisdictions to express formal interest in a regional jail.
Council agreed that it is time to start looking at options to improve the facilities the committee studied. The regional jail is just one option that Council hopes will make matters better.
Council plans to look at the committee's report closely and decide on some more options.
by CNB