THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) - A new Georgia law that overhauled the criminal justice system will keep many non-violent offenders out of state prisons and provide them treatment instead.
Some sheriffs worry that could make a problem they're dealing with worse.
Many county jails are already overcrowded and costing more of your tax money to run at a time when counties are trying to cut spending.
Thomas County law enforcers say on an average week, they house around 200 jail inmates.
"We started seeing a spike. We've been as high as 280 in our jail. This week we're right around 260, which is still unusually high for us. 200 was a high number," said Captain Steve Jones.
Between an increase in arrests for not paying child support, to having more folks on probation, police say they have several theories.
"One is that judges are a little, we think could be little more reluctant to sending people into the state prison system because of the shortfalls they are having," said Jones.
Police say because the state prisons are overcrowded, some judges put them on probation instead.
And since many of the probationers do not have jobs, their fines are not being paid, sending them to jail.
"I think we are seeing some that are choosing not to pay the bondsman or to pail the bail and just to sit in jail until their court date," said Jones.
And like with every other aspect of society, the weak economy is having a impact.
"And unfortunately some people are resorting to crime to make ends meet. And we're seeing an increase in petty theft and we're seeing an increase in major theft," said Jones.
Police say inmate clothing, medical, and other costs have significantly increased.
"Then you have to figure in feeding three meals a day. You have to provide a bed. You have to provide a mat, blankets, pillows," said Jones.
Police say 30 new bunks have already been installed over the last 3 months, with another 50 to 100 expected by the end of the year.
Captain Jones says if this trend continues in Thomas County, they'll have to hire more jailers, costing more tax money.
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Captain Steve Jones
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