Jail Deficiencies Report
Blue Earth County Jail Assessment
Findings of Dennis Liebert & Associates – Justice Facility Consultants,
February 2004
Control Room
Tight Corners
Plumbing
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- Inmate Crowding
The number of offenders in the jail often exceeds the state-mandated
capacity of 68.
- Inability to Classify Inmates
A shortage of cell spaces does not allow inmates to be separated
by type of crime or for problem behavior.
- Unsafe Booking Procedures
There are no temporary holding cells in view of booking officers
to house violent/intoxicated inmates.
- Inadequate Service Areas
Kitchen, laundry, medical and inmate facilities are too small.
The jail also lacks cells designed to prevent the spread of contagious
diseases.
- Poor Lines-of-Sight
The jail’s “linear” design interferes with proper
monitoring of inmates.
- Outdated Central Control
Communications and security systems are out-of-date and repair
parts are often unavailable.
- Structural Problems
Asbestos needs to be removed and windows, plumbing and the air-handling
system replaced.
- Inefficient Use of Staffing
Monitoring and operating the current jail is labor intensive due
to poor sight lines and dividing work between two floors of the
building.
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