Jefferson County Sheriff says more cities express interest in opening regional jail

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - Sheriff Mark Pettway says several cities in Jefferson County are getting on board to partner and open a regional jail. Many see this as a way to save money, as Sheriff Pettway says smaller municipalities can no longer afford to pay to run a jail in their city. By having one central location to take offenders will allow them to spend these funds in other areas in need.

Sheriff Pettway says he’s pleased with the response from law enforcement in our area, but he has plans to work with the state to give a second chance.

“They won’t be repeat offenders. We want to stop them from repeating, give them a hand up, and set them up for success,” says Sheriff Pettway. “We want to make the state a partner of ours, too. We want to keep some of those inmates that are going to the state right here and give them skills. teach them how to do certain skills to help them get employed and help them leave and become productive citizens right here in our communities.”

He says cities that have expressed interest will have to sign a memorandum of understanding or MOU, which is the first way they can begin forming a partnership.

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