THE NEW section of the Belmont County Jail may be closed in order to free up deputies to do other duties, although a time line for that to take place has not been issued by Sheriff Fred Thompson on Thursday.
"What we are trying to do is just fill up the old section and let the new one stand vacant," Thompson said.
The sheriff added the county jail is housing around 85 inmates. Thompson said that for the new section of the jail to close that number would have to be at 72 or less.
"I have about 17 inmates to get out," the sheriff said. He said their departure date is sometime later this month.
Thompson said once the prisoners are released, the numbers might be low enough to close the new section of the jail.
Currently, one deputy per shift works in that part of the jail. By closing the new addition Thompson said that four deputies, one per shift, would be freed up to work in fill-in roles and as transport officers.
Thompson said that at the present time, road deputies and detectives are filling in to transport prisoners, which takes time away from their normal duties.
If the new jail is closed, Thompson said it would not necessarily be permanent.
The sheriff said the new portion could be reopened in a matter of minutes if the numbers would dictate that.
