Santa Clara County is at a crossroads regarding plans for a new jail due to a significant decrease in its incarcerated population post-pandemic. County officials are assessing the deteriorating condition of existing facilities, which cannot meet modern needs for medical and mental health care. The projected costs for a new jail have escalated from $390 million to nearing $747 million, indicating financial strains. While community input is being gathered, there is substantial opposition to building a new jail, creating challenges in decision-making. Amid this, discussions around reviving the zero bail program could further impact incarceration rates.
"What is set in stone is we are absolutely going to build something," Deputy County Executive Consuelo Hernandez stated, emphasizing the necessity of addressing deteriorating jail facilities and community needs.
"The situation hamstrings the county's ability to provide basic services under two federal consent decrees... to address the unconstitutional use of solitary confinement under a former sheriff, among other issues."
The county has started gathering community input while assessing the facilities' conditions, which could influence the construction and costs of a new jail that have ballooned over time.
The resurrection of the jail dilemma comes as the county explores reviving its zero bail program, potentially leading to further reductions in the incarcerated population.
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