By Hana Kim
Q13 Fox
TACOMA — A $4.2 million budget shortfall is forcing the Pierce County jail to cut down its inmate population. The jail will have to shut down units currently housing more than 160 inmates.
This is sparking concern from the community. The inmate population is about 84% felons. The sheriff’s department says some of those convicts could be released early but they do have a plan to minimize the potential safety impact on the community.
Allison Thomas says crime has always been a concern in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood.
“Bad, it’s always been bad,” said Thomas.
Full story: Pierce County Jail crunch: Early inmate releases, job losses