History

The Laurel County Jail is located in London, Kentucky, and is the primary detention facility for Laurel County. The jail has a capacity of 256 inmates and is staffed by approximately 60 employees.

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The first jail in Laurel County was built in 1826. It was a small, wooden structure that was located on the courthouse square in London. The jail was soon overcrowded, and in 1850, a new jail was built. The new jail was a two-story, brick building that was located on the same site as the old jail.

The second jail served Laurel County for over 100 years. However, by the early 1950s, it was again overcrowded and in need of major repairs. In 1958, voters in Laurel County approved a bond issue to build a new jail.

The new jail was completed in 1962. It is a three-story, concrete building that is located on a hill overlooking London. The jail has a capacity of 256 inmates and is staffed by approximately 60 employees.

The Laurel County Jail is a modern facility that meets all state and federal standards. The jail is divided into two sections: a maximum-security section and a minimum-security section. The maximum-security section houses inmates who are awaiting trial or who have been convicted of serious crimes. The minimum-security section houses inmates who have been convicted of misdemeanors or who are serving short sentences.

The Laurel County Jail provides a variety of programs and services to its inmates. These programs and services include:

• Educational programs
• Vocational training programs
• Substance abuse treatment programs
• Mental health treatment programs
• Religious services
• Recreational activities

The Laurel County Jail is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its inmates and staff. The jail also strives to provide its inmates with the programs and services they need to turn their lives around.

Controversies

The Laurel County Jail has been the subject of several controversies over the years.

In 2010, the jail was sued by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for its policy of strip-searching all inmates, regardless of the charges against them. The ACLU argued that the policy was unconstitutional and violated inmates' privacy rights. The case was eventually settled, and the jail agreed to change its policy.

In 2013, the jail was again sued by the ACLU for its policy of using solitary confinement as a punishment for inmates. The ACLU argued that the policy was cruel and unusual punishment and violated inmates' constitutional rights. The case is still pending.

In 2017, the jail was the subject of a federal investigation into the deaths of two inmates. The investigation found that the jail's staff had failed to provide the inmates with adequate medical care. As a result of the investigation, the jail agreed to make a number of changes to its policies and procedures.

Current Conditions

The Laurel County Jail is currently facing a number of challenges. The jail is overcrowded, and its staff is understaffed. The jail is also in need of major repairs.

In 2019, the Laurel County Fiscal Court approved a bond issue to build a new jail. The new jail is expected to cost $30 million and will have a capacity of 400 inmates. The new jail is expected to be completed in 2022.

In the meantime, the Laurel County Jail is working to address its current challenges. The jail has implemented a number of programs and services to reduce overcrowding and improve the conditions for inmates. The jail is also working to recruit and retain more staff members.

The Laurel County Jail is a vital part of the criminal justice system in Laurel County. The jail provides a safe and secure environment for its inmates and staff. The jail also strives to provide its inmates with the programs and services they need to turn their lives around.

The Laurel County Jail is a complex and challenging environment. The jail staff is responsible for the safety and security of the inmates, as well as the staff and the public. The jail also provides a variety of programs and services to help inmates turn their lives around.

Challenges

The Laurel County Jail faces a number of challenges, including:

• Overcrowding: The jail is currently overcrowded, with a population of over 300 inmates. This overcrowding can lead to a number of problems, including:
  • Increased risk of violence and other safety concerns
  • Inadequate medical care
  • Poor sanitation
  • Lack of privacy
• Understaffing: The jail is also understaffed, with a staff-to-inmate ratio of approximately 1:10. This understaffing can lead to:
  • Increased overtime costs
  • Burnout among staff
  • Difficulty providing adequate security and services to inmates
• Need for repairs: The jail is in need of major repairs. The jail was built in 1962 and has not been significantly renovated since then. The jail is in need of new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. The jail also needs to be brought up to code with current fire and safety standards.

Programs and Services

Despite the challenges it faces, the Laurel County Jail provides a variety of programs and services to its inmates. These programs and services include:

• Educational programs: The jail offers a variety of educational programs, including GED classes, adult basic education classes, and vocational training programs.
• Substance abuse treatment programs: The jail offers a variety of substance abuse treatment programs, including detoxification, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment.
• Mental health treatment programs: The jail offers a variety of mental health treatment programs, including counseling, medication management, and crisis intervention.
• Religious services: The jail offers a variety of religious services, including Bible study, prayer groups, and worship services.
• Recreational activities: The jail offers a variety of recreational activities, including basketball, volleyball, and weightlifting.

The Laurel County Jail is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its inmates and staff. The jail also strives to provide its inmates with the programs and services they need to turn their lives around.