By John Langeler
KING 5 News
PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — Having already laid off staff and shut down part of its jail, Pierce County is conducting an audit that could help determine how to get nearby cities to change their mind and bring lesser crime offenders to the downtown facility.
Earlier this year, Tacoma decided to send those arrested for misdemeanors to Fife’s jail, rather than the Pierce County Jail. It’s a decision that has saved the city money, but cost Pierce County greatly.
“So far, it’s been really good,” said Tacoma councilman Joe Lonergan, who sits on the public safety committee, “As with anything, you always have some wrinkles to iron out. There are a lot more goods than bads.”
Full story: Wash. jail looking to get inmate income back