×

Jail remains rotten within: inmate

HOUGHTON – The Houghton County Jail facility is receiving an expansion and upgrade of the kitchen, administration and storage areas.

Unfortunately, this construction does not address or relieve the jail overcrowding, or the substandard living conditions for inmates, according to a recent letter written to the Daily Mining Gazette by an inmate.

“I do not believe jail should be a desired resort with a five-star rating, but it should be a safe and sanitary institution for rehabilitation,” wrote C. Fischer, who is serving a post-conviction sentence at the jail. “As an inmate, you should expect some sort of discomfort; otherwise, it would not be perceived as punishment for poor decisions.”

Fischer stated the jail was built more than 50 years ago and has outlived its service to the community, Sheriff’s Department, and inmates themselves.

“With the increase of population and the addition of a growing drug and alcohol epidemic, it is easy to understand why this facility is in dire straits. (With) limited access to treatment programs and counseling, the crime rate rises.” Fischer wrote.

The needs of short-term housing for minor convictions and pre-trial arrestees becomes a greater need, Fischer wrote. The cost of this housing falls upon the county and its taxpayers, creating a stress on both, his letter stated.

Residents of the county want safe neighborhoods for their families, and the Sheriff’s Department is heavily relied upon to provide that safety. Yet, Fischer states, the residents of the county “continually deny millage increases that would help the Sheriff’s Department build a new jail to house those who threaten that need (of) the residents.”

Fischer also issued a challenge to the residents of Houghton County.

“I urge every taxpayer to simply walk through the facility and experience first hand those substandard conditions.”

In the next part of this series, the conditions Fischer describes in his letter will be discussed.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today