BENTON - "The Scott County Jail is old and is showing signs of wear, but all in all we still have a very secure facility," said Sheriff Bill Ferrell during what he hopes will be the last annual report on the present facility.
Ferrell submitted his report on county jail conditions to 33rd Judicial Circuit Judge David Dolan Thursday in accordance with statutory requirements.
"The problems of the old building will be resolved when the building is torn down and the new facility is operational," Ferrell said.
Sheriff's deputies also advised the county commission of leaks at the jail which need to be fixed. Water from the ceiling surrounds electrical light fixtures and drips from them into the jail.
Commissioners indicated they will have the jail roof checked when roofers look at a leak in the courthouse roof, which should be within the next two weeks.
Over 1,350 inmates were booked into the Scott County Jail in 2001. Another 1,140 were boarded in other facilities.