Are jail admissions rising in Rice County?

Rice County's jail admissions increased over the 11-year period (2009-19) a total of 3.35% and at an annual rate of 0.43%. Male admissions decreased overall -3.84 percent (annually at -0.27%) and females increased 36.33% (annually at 3.74 percent).

• The overall average daily population decreased -4.59% between 2009 and 2019; at a rate of -0.28%. Amongst these statistics, the male ADP decreased a total of -10.58% (at a rate of -0.91 percent) and the female ADP increased a total of 69.07%; at a rate of 8.61% annually.

• The average length of stay (ALOS) for all the overall population is averaged at 11 days between 2009 and 2019, which is well below the national average of 25 days. Males typically stay an average of 12 days and females stay an average of five days.

• The jail maintains an average of 57% of the MN DOC determined capacity of 71 beds between 2009 and 2019.

• The jail admission’s largest age groups (25 to 54 years of age – the “at risk age group”) matches the community’s largest age groups, which is indicative of the potential for an increase in admissions.

• The limited space of the current jail facilities limits the ability of staff to safely separate individuals who require separation by local classification policies, PREA standards and best correctional practices.

• The mental health inmate population has seen significant quarterly increases since 2014.

• The female population, while still small in numbers (less than 6 on average), are increasing at significant rates. As this population increases, the need for more separation space to adequately classify and properly house them is necessary.


Show All Answers

1. What kind of jail space does Rice County currently have?
2. Are jail admissions rising in Rice County?
3. If the number of inmates isn't projected to rise significantly, why build a new jail?
4. What is planned for the current Law Enforcement Center when the new facility is finished?
5. Is solar energy part of the project?
6. How is the Public Safety Center being financed?
7. I see new roads on the plan. Who's building those?
8. Why not keep the Main Jail as a 90-day facility and partner with Steele County for inmates serving longer sentences?