STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
The Barren County Detention Center has earned a near-perfect evaluation from the Kentucky Department of Corrections, with overcrowding listed as the only problem found during a recent inspection.
During a March 16 jail committee meeting, Barren County Jailer Aaron Shirley told members that state inspectors gave the jail what he described as an “incredible” score, adding that the Department of Corrections cited the facility only for housing more inmates than its rated capacity.
The jail is a 178-bed facility and is currently housing about 204 inmates, which is down from 315, according to Shirley. Two female cells and nine male cells were listed as overcrowded in the inspection, according to Shirley, who added that each was a ten-person cell.
“There’s not a jail in the state that’s not overcrowded,” Shirley said. “You have to send [the Department of Corrections] a corrective plan of action [and my response is always the same:] we work diligently with our court system to reduce the number of inmates we have in our facility.”
Department of Corrections staff conduct a detailed review of the jail, checking more than 200 items over dozens of pages, checking nearly everything including maintenance, water temperature, inmate programs, food, religious services, medical and safety procedures, employee certifications and basic supplies. Inspectors also spoke with inmates to confirm they receive items such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and toilet paper, Shirley said.
State officials conduct two regular inspections a year and may also perform unannounced spot checks, according to Shirley. He said the jail has consistently made perfect scores on spot checks except for overcrowding findings.
Shirley also said the facility has received its certificate of occupancy from the state, indicating it has met required operational standards.
Key Facts
– Barren County Detention Center received a near-perfect Department of Corrections evaluation
– Overcrowding was the only deficiency cited, according to Jailer Aaron Shirley
– Jail is rated for 178 beds but is currently housing about 204 inmates
– Two female cells and nine male cells were listed as overcrowded
– Inspectors review more than 200 items, from hot water and maintenance to programs and religious services
– Facility has received its certificate of occupancy from the state
Michael Crimmins with Glasgow News 1 contributed to this reporting.
