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Inspectors: Pasco Jails 'Exemplary,' Despite Overcrowding
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Published: September 5, 2008
NEW PORT RICHEY - Overcrowding is the cause of nearly all problems found at Pasco County's two jails, but inspectors gave detention operations at the two facilities overall high marks for their "exemplary" conditions.
The main county jail, known as the Land O' Lakes Detention Center, and the smaller jail in New Port Richey, called Detention West Facility, remain 35 percent above capacity, the Pasco County Public Safety Coordinating Council was told today.
A three-story addition to the Land O' Lakes facility that will have an additional 768 inmate beds remains on track to open by mid-2009, officials say.
"No serious violations were found" at either detention facility, according to inspection certification letters released today. Sgt. Juanita Thornton of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office signed the letters as the chairperson of the inspections, conducted July 30 and 31.
Thornton led inspection teams of detention officers from the Hillsborough and Pinellas sheriff's offices. They were operating at the behest of the Florida Sheriff's Association.
"The facility was found to be well within established standards," Thornton wrote in both letters.
"Cleanliness and sanitation met or exceeded minimal standards and it appeared that the inmate population was being well provided for. Staff morale was obviously high and job satisfaction apparent. This was a direct reflection of the leadership of the Pasco County Sheriff's Office."
There were, however, "notable violations."
Because of the overcrowding the New Port Richey facility has too few toilets and showers, the inspectors noted.
At the main jail in north-central Pasco, a water fountain was leaking. Some shower areas were developing mildew and needed cleaning. Several bathrooms also needed cleaning.
Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.
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