Associated Press
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Authorities in Jefferson County are investigating a disturbance at the county jail involving as many as 80 detainees.
Sheriff Gerald Robinson said Thursday jail security personnel have recently tightened security at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center in response to an influx of contraband in the facility. Certain privileges were also taken from detainees.
Robinson says detainees responded by destroying their living quarters, causing several thousand dollars in damage. The sheriff says that although detainees destroyed some property, the ruckus resulted in no serious physical injury or loss of life.
The sheriff says the disturbance illustrates the need to address inadequate staffing levels at the jail facility. Robinson says jailors are leaving the facility and taking jobs with the Arkansas Department of Corrections because of better benefits and pay.