FARGO, ND. (KFGO) – The Cass County Jail is making plans to lower the number of prisoners and other steps as a way to reduce the risk of a coronavirus outbreak in jail.
Jail Administrator Captain Andy Frobig said the jail is already prepared for contagious diseases like flu and tuberculosis but is now taking additional steps to protect the population from potential exposure to Covid-19.
He said reducing the population will allow single bunks for every inmate. There will also be housing units designated for those that show signs of illness which will further separate them from other inmates.
Frobig said instead of having sick people scattered anywhere across the facility, they can provide better and faster medical care and limit exposure should there be a confirmed case of the virus in the jail.
Sheriff Jesse Jahner said there are a number of factors involving this process. That includes a decision by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to stop the temporary transfer of prisoners to the state penitentiary.
Jail inmates will be assessed and modifications may be made on a case-by-case basis for inmates with minor offenses that would allow their release, most under supervision by the sheriff’s office. They will also seek changes for certain offenses that will allow summons or citations rather than jail.
While the number of Cass County jail inmates changes daily, it had 270 prisoners as of Monday but can hold a maximum of 348. Frobig says the goal is to cut the number of inmates to 180 or less which will mean the jail will not have “dormitory-style” housing.
