Wake County sheriff cites overcrowding as jail expansions continue: 'Challenging'
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe said Wednesday that he hopes arrests will decline, but is not asking law enforcement agencies to change how they keep communities safe, as the county continues to report overcrowding in its two detention facilities.
Rowe was asked Wednesday afternoon about inmate conditions. "They're not inhumane. They're challenging," he said.
Wake County officials say overcrowding has been consistent, and Rowe said Iryna's Law is driving the increase.
The legislation eliminates cashless bail for certain crimes and affects pretrial release.
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"We never stop trying to find extra space throughout the jail where we can secure," Rowe said.
He noted that multipurpose rooms have been converted into housing and some inmates have been transferred to other facilities in North Carolina.
County leaders have allocated an additional $7 million to cover added expenses, including more deputies, medical personnel, portable beds, meals and telephones.
"It's been a challenge, but the staff has stepped up," Rowe said.
A criminal defense lawyer said the law is slowing down cases.
"It might add at least six to eight months for them just to wait on the evaluation," Anna Felts said. She added that the legislation particularly affects indigent defendants who cannot afford higher bonds.
"Logistically, they're not enough house bracelets. Electronic house bracelets are not enough staffing for them. So they end up consequently just sitting in jail waiting for those things," Felts said.
The Wake County Detention Center is expanding its footprint, which Rowe said will provide some relief. An annex is under renovation and is expected to reopen at the beginning of next year, adding 240 beds. The main detention center is in the final stages of development and will add another 600 beds.
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