Davis County Sheriff Proposes $9.5M Bond For Jail Medical Wing Expansion
Nov 20, 2019, 6:29 PM | Updated: 9:00 pm
FARMINGTON, Utah — Deputies at the Davis County Jail said the six-bed medical wing is coming up short when it comes to serving the mental and physical health needs of jail inmates.
Those increased pressures area major reason why Davis County Sheriff Kelly Sparks has proposed a $9.5 million bond to pay for upgrades to the jail, including a new medical wing that would house between 23 and 26 beds.
“Our population has grown significantly over the years,” said Captain Heather Beasley. “Fifteen years ago, I don’t think any person working corrections would ever be able to comprehend what the opioid crisis has done to society.”
Capt. Heather Beasley said inmates with addictions are booked daily.
Beasley said inmates with addictions are booked at the jail daily. Once the medical wing fills up, those with needs for medical support have to be sent elsewhere, which can cost additional taxpayer dollars.
“When the folks who are in addiction come in, they’re going to go through withdrawals,” Beasley said. “Their physical body is going to be strained to an exponential level.”
On top of that, Beasley said there is an increasing demand to treat mental health issues.
“Mental health crises are at an all-time high — especially in jails and incarceration facilities,” Beasley said. “Being able to provide, both for the medical needs and the mental health needs for inmates is crucial in jails.”
The Davis County Jail was built in 1990 and a 2007 expansion added more beds to the general population area.
