Overcrowded Prisons in Montana: A Crisis Unfolding in Missoula County

As Montana grapples with a spiraling prison population, Missoula County finds itself in a precarious situation, housing an increasing number of state inmates. The county is urging state officials to either take responsibility for these inmates or compensate for the costs incurred. This situation not only raises financial concerns but also highlights significant issues related to mental health and rehabilitation.

The Current State of Overcrowding

According to the Montana Department of Corrections, as of last Thursday, 452 state inmates were awaiting transfer from county jails to state facilities. This figure encompasses those needing addiction treatment as well as individuals waiting for beds at the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs, the state's primary psychiatric facility.

• Missoula County currently houses 35 state inmates.
• Additionally, five inmates are awaiting transfer to the state hospital.

County officials are voicing concern over the "fundamental injustice" of holding sentenced inmates without access to necessary mental health or substance abuse treatment, as expressed by Missoula County Attorney Matt Jennings during a recent county commission meeting.

The Financial Burden on Missoula County

The financial implications of this overcrowding crisis are staggering. County officials have stated that the state must either reclaim its inmates or reimburse the county for the full costs of holding them. Jennings pointed out that the county is losing substantial amounts of money, as the state’s reimbursement rates fall short of the actual costs incurred by the county.

• The average daily cost per inmate for Missoula County is approximately $125.
• The state reimbursement rate has recently increased to a minimum of $82, which is still insufficient.
• Missoula County has reportedly lost around $310,500 in 2023 due to housing state inmates.

Long Waits and Inadequate Treatment

Inmates in county jails often face lengthy waits for transfer to appropriate facilities. For example, some have waited so long that they become eligible for parole before receiving any treatment. The county jail, designed for short-term stays, is ill-equipped to handle the long-term needs of mentally ill and substance-dependent inmates.

Proposed Solutions and Ongoing Efforts

The Montana Department of Corrections is actively seeking both short- and long-term strategies to address overcrowding. Efforts include:

1. Contracting additional bed space at the Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona.
2. Planning to reopen the 57-bed F Unit at Montana State Prison.
3. Evaluating the addition of bunk beds at various correctional facilities.

Despite these efforts, many county officials feel that the solutions proposed thus far are inadequate and may only serve as temporary fixes. Jennings emphasized the need for treatment facilities that address both mental health and substance use issues in tandem.

What Lies Ahead?

The ongoing crisis raises critical questions about how the state will manage its growing prison population while ensuring that local governments are not unduly burdened. As Missoula County officials navigate these challenges, there is hope for a collaborative approach that prioritizes public safety and rehabilitation.

What do you think?

• Should the state take full responsibility for housing its inmates, or should counties be held accountable?
• Is building more prisons the answer, or should the focus shift to improving mental health treatment facilities?
• How can local governments balance public safety with the financial burden of overcrowded jails?
• Are current state policies effectively addressing the root causes of recidivism?