With the current jail facility, Washburn County is exposed to increased liability due to multiple safety issues including the following:

• Inadequate facility poses safety concerns to County employees and their ability to move inmates in a safe manner, to monitor inmates appropriately, and to perform their duty to protect inmates from each other.

• Inadequate facility poses safety concerns to inmates dealing with a medical issue, a mental health crisis, or pose a suicide risk.

• Inadequate facility poses safety concerns to the public when inmates are being moved from the jail to the courthouse in public hallways.

• Washburn County is responsible for the care of the inmates in its custody. When inmates have to be housed in other counties, they are still in the custody of Washburn County, however, the County loses direct control over the care of its inmates.

​

Learn more about other safety risks within the existing jail that could present liability to Washburn County.