CLEVELAND — It is a new year, and officials at the Cuyahoga County Jail are eager to show off new changes.
Until now, body cameras and surveillance videos were the only windows into life there. On Thursday, the media was invited to see the progress.
"I believe we made great strides on many levels, we still have a way to go," Jail Administrator Ronda Gipson said.
It has been no secret that the jail was broken: Nine people died there within a year, while three were released by mistake (including an accused murderer). Then, as employees went on trial for bad behavior and inmates sued over conditions, the county began hiring and investing.
More than $2 million has since gone into the facility, with one of the biggest updates being a bright new living space with 94 beds.
"Created from the abandoned kitchen," said Matt Rymer, Public Works.
There are new wall units for calls and requests and an updated infirmary with screens for face-to-face contact with remote specialists. MetroHealth now manages healthcare and evaluates all new inmates for mental health issues and addiction services.
There are new wall units for calls and requests and an updated infirmary with screens for face-to-face contact with remote specialists. MetroHealth now manages healthcare and evaluates all new inmates for mental health issues and addiction services.
Yet other fixes have been harder to come by.
"It’s a continuous struggle to keep the place fully staffed," Cuyahoga County Chief of Staff Bill Mason said. "But it is as high as it’s ever been."
There are now 701 corrections officers, which is 100 more than last year. They also make more; $18.38 an hour versus $15.81 before.
Still, the jail continues to be crowded: On Thursday there were 1890 inmates, which is 25 over capacity.