History

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The Washtenaw County Jail traces its roots back to the early days of settlement in the region. The original jail was a small log structure built in 1827, located at the corner of Main and Huron Streets in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The building served as both a jail and a sheriff's residence until 1836 when a separate sheriff's residence was constructed.

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In 1842, the county commissioners recognized the need for a larger and more secure jail facility. They commissioned the construction of a new jail, which was completed in 1844 on the same site as the original jail. The new jail was a two-story brick structure with a capacity of 40 inmates. It featured separate cells for male and female prisoners and included a sheriff's office and living quarters.

Expansion and Modernization:

As the population of Washtenaw County grew, so did the demand for jail space. In 1873, an addition was built onto the jail, doubling its capacity to 80 inmates. The addition also included a new courtroom and jury room.

In 1910, another major expansion and modernization project was undertaken. The original jail building was demolished, and a new three-story structure was constructed in its place. The new jail featured modern amenities such as indoor plumbing, central heating, and electric lighting. It also included a separate wing for female prisoners and a new infirmary.

Controversy and Reform:

In the 1960s, the Washtenaw County Jail came under fire for its poor conditions and overcrowding. A 1968 report by the Michigan Department of Corrections found that the jail was "unfit for human habitation" and recommended its closure.

In response to the report, Washtenaw County officials embarked on a series of reforms to improve jail conditions. These reforms included reducing the jail population, providing better medical care, and implementing new programs to help inmates reintegrate into society after their release.

New Jail Facility:

In 1991, a new Washtenaw County Jail facility was opened on Scio Church Road in Scio Township. The new jail is a state-of-the-art facility that meets all modern standards for jail design and operation. It has a capacity of 1,312 inmates and includes a medical unit, a mental health unit, and a variety of programs and services for inmates.

Current Operations:

The Washtenaw County Jail is currently operated by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office. The jail houses both pretrial detainees and convicted offenders who are serving sentences of one year or less. The jail also provides a variety of programs and services for inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.

Challenges and Future of Washtenaw County Jail:

Despite the improvements made in recent decades, the Washtenaw County Jail continues to face a number of challenges. These challenges include:

• Overcrowding: The jail is frequently overcrowded, with the population often exceeding its capacity of 1,312 inmates. This overcrowding can lead to poor living conditions and increased safety risks for both inmates and staff.
• Mental Health Services: The jail has a high population of inmates with mental health issues. However, the jail is not equipped to provide adequate mental health care, and inmates often do not receive the treatment they need.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: Many inmates at the jail struggle with substance abuse issues. The jail offers some substance abuse treatment programs, but these programs are often limited and do not meet the needs of all inmates.
• Recidivism: The recidivism rate among inmates released from the Washtenaw County Jail is high. This means that many inmates return to jail after being released, often for new crimes.