Washtenaw Intake, Transfer and Release center gives inmates chance to start off on the right foot
Holding cells are located next to the courtrooms at the new 14A-1 District Court building.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Rather than being locked in cells, non-violent inmates at the new Intake, Transfer and Release center at the Washtenaw County Jail sit in a large open area where they are free to watch television, mingle and make as many collect calls as they want.
The goal, Sheriff Jerry Clayton said, is to get inmates off on the right foot so they can deal with their respective cases and begin the process of returning to society. There's seating for 25 men and 14 women, meaning some inmates never have to step inside a cell as they await arraignment.
“We try to set a promising environment to start with, and it’s up to them how they proceed from there,” Clayton said.
Since it opened last the summer, the ITR has been credited with cutting down behavioral problems at the jail, reducing noise and making sure inmates get their basic needs met, including medical care, sheriff’s department spokesman Derrick Jackson said.
The ITR is one of the highlights of the roughly $35 million expanded county service center, said Dave Shirley, facilities manager for Washtenaw County.
Among the other features:
- A 41,000-square-foot court wing — with three courtrooms, compared to two at the old 14A-1 District Court.
- 112 additional beds at the jail.
- The court wing is expected to become LEED-certified, meaning it will be recognized as a "green building" (the 14A-4 District Court in Saline already has that certification).
- Sheriff's department administrative offices were renovated, including a conference room, where updated equipment was installed.
- A secure tunnel allows inmates to be transferred from lockup to courtrooms without having to exit the building as they did before.
The new Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department and 14A-1 District Court building is shown from the outside.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
“This is a relatively new concept where you have the sheriff’s department, the jail and the court all in one building,” Court Administrator Gene DeRossett said. “People really appreciate the quality of this building, and attitudes are different. It’s just a much better working environment.”
The court wing includes a spacious jury selection room, three conference rooms for mediation, a clerk's office three times the size of the old one and a large hallway outside the courtrooms that's flooded with natural light.
One major change with the new building is that customers will have to bail people out at an entrance near Hogback Road rather than the main entrance.
Vicki Jenkinson, supervisor of the 14A District Court clerk’s office, said employees are enjoying the new space, as are customers.
“Everyone seems to be a little bit more happy coming in to work,” she said.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and e-mail at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
johnnya2
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 3:38 p.m.
Just to clarify for people. This is not JAIL. This is a holding cell for those who have not been convicted of ANYTHING. They have been arrested and are awaiting arraignment. There is this concept in the LAW and constitution called innocent until proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubt. I guess those who think they should spend time a cement block with no blankets are the kind who believe every person arrested is guilty. That's how it is in Iran, North Korea and Saudi Arabia. Glad you are on their side.
Cash
Fri, Nov 26, 2010 : 1:59 p.m.
People...this is a PR piece. Get real. Spend a night in jail or prison and see if you enjoy yourself.
Basic Bob
Fri, Nov 26, 2010 : 12:38 p.m.
@Sally, "Should these thugs be treated to a cell where they are free to mingle and make collect calls (on the taxpayer's dime)?" 1. They are non-violent, so thugs is a bit of a stretch. 2. They are in a cell, but they are not bound and gagged. It's not happy hour at Hooter's. 3. Collect calls are paid for by the recipient, not the taxpayer.
Sallyxyz
Fri, Nov 26, 2010 : 12:25 p.m.
Creating the impression that these cells are comfortable will only send more criminals to this area. Why do crimes and get caught where the cells are grungy when you can do crimes, get caught and live in relative luxury? These cells might be better than where these thugs come from. I want all offenders to have real consequences for the crimes they commit. Non-violent crimes (not defined in the article) might include bank robberies where no weapon is displayed. Should these thugs be treated to a cell where they are free to "mingle" and make collect calls (on the taxpayer's dime)?
bunnyabbot
Fri, Nov 26, 2010 : 12:12 p.m.
obviously I do see a difference b/t violent and non violent, however I think making jail a comfortable experience. for anyone is a way of coddling people. Clearly not breaking a law is not enough for some people and for others it is enough to say "well, it wasn't a violent crime, so no biggie".
Cash
Fri, Nov 26, 2010 : 8:06 a.m.
@Bear, exactly right. PR pieces like this are part of the problem....taxpayers think prisoners are being treated to a great life. I know better. Visit a jail or prison and find out the truth. It is HELL.
Cash
Fri, Nov 26, 2010 : 8:04 a.m.
The very people who want blood from offenders including the non-violent ones, are the same people who complain about being taxed to death. Make up your mind. Shouldn't the goal be to see as many as possible walk out, find a way to make an honest living and pay taxes?
johnnya2
Fri, Nov 26, 2010 : 1:21 a.m.
@bunny That system has been tried. Guess what happens? You get BETTER criminals. Non-violent criminals should not be held and housed alongside non-violent ones. A person with pot in his car is not the same as a guy who beat the hell out of his girlfriend, or shot the neighbors cat, or sexually assaulted a 9 year old. If you can not see the difference, you are part of the problem
bunnyabbot
Fri, Nov 26, 2010 : 12:12 a.m.
what is laughable about it is they don't list what is "non-violent" and what would include these jail privileges. We try to set a promising environment to start with, and its up to them how they proceed from there, Clayton said. excuse me, but if you commited a crime, non-violent or not jail shouldn't be comfortable. It should be unpleasant. Why not just have a Starbucks too and give foot massages or offer a yoga class.
Bear
Thu, Nov 25, 2010 : 10:05 p.m.
You're kidding me right? First you talk about the 'holding cells' as if they are a cocktail party where inmates are 'free to mingle' and free to make 'all the collect calls they want', then you go on to say that 'mean(s) some inmates never have to step inside a cell as they await arraignment.' A holding cell, is a cell, negating your later statement. And there are televisions, phones for collect calls and the chance to 'mingle' in most any cell except isolation. This article is a laughable piece of fluff. Gotta quit regurgitating what officials give you to print. They aren't always truthful or honest and often have an agenda to push.