Jackson County Delays Vote on Jail Improvement Ordinance Amid Disputes
Jackson County was supposed to vote on new jail standard. Why hasn’t it happened?
Kansas City Star
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Jackson County legislators have postponed a vote on Ordinance No. 6077, aimed at enhancing conditions in the new detention center. The delay stems from disagreements with Sheriff Darryl Forté over authority and the inclusion of grievance processes. Advocates emphasize the need for basic rights and improved living conditions for inmates.
- 01Ordinance No. 6077 aims to establish an 'inmate bill of rights' to improve hygiene, medical care, and communication in the new Jackson County Detention Center.
- 02Sheriff Darryl Forté opposes the ordinance, arguing it duplicates existing policies and interferes with his management of the facility.
- 03Concerns have been raised about overcrowding and mechanical issues in the new facility, which cost $301 million.
- 04Advocates, including the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (MORE2), have been pushing for the ordinance to ensure basic living conditions for inmates.
- 05Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota plans to discuss the ordinance with Sheriff Forté to address ongoing concerns about the jail.
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The Jackson County Legislature has once again delayed a vote on Ordinance No. 6077, which seeks to enhance living conditions in the county's new detention center. This postponement is attributed to ongoing disputes between the Legislature and Sheriff Darryl Forté regarding authority over the jail's operations. Forté has expressed objections to the ordinance's provisions for grievance processes, claiming they are counterproductive and duplicate existing policies. Supporters of the ordinance argue that it is essential for establishing basic rights for inmates, including access to hygiene supplies, medical care, and communication with family and attorneys. The new detention center, which opened in May at a cost of $301 million, has faced criticism for overcrowding and mechanical issues shortly after its launch. Advocates, including Jill Hanlin from MORE2, emphasize the necessity of these reforms, labeling them as basic living conditions rather than luxuries. As the Legislature continues to delay, County Executive Phil LeVota has indicated a desire to engage with Sheriff Forté to address the concerns raised by constituents regarding the facility's conditions.
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The delay in passing the ordinance affects the living conditions of inmates in the new detention center, which has already faced issues like overcrowding and inadequate hygiene supplies.
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