jail realignment

California county jails were designed to hold inmates for sentences of a year or less. Recently, however, more than 1,100 inmates inside the jails are remaining for longer periods of time, leading to a lot of difficulties.

County sheriffs have to face many challenges because of the large number of long-term inmates serving time in county lockup. This number is only going to grow in the upcoming years, which will cause more difficulties.

Sheriffs must provide treatment programs, education, recreation and rehabilitation to inmates in addition to maintaining adequate housing space. This only drives up the costs that many counties are …