FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force, which leaders say aims to take a deeper dive into the challenges and opportunities in corrections, held its first meeting in Frankfort. 

Lawmakers heard from several jailers and the Kentucky Association of Counties.

What You Need To Know

  • The first meeting of the Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force convened in Frankfort

  • Lawmakers heard from several jailers and the Kentucky Association of Counties

  • According to a presentation from the Kentucky Jailers Association, Kentucky has more than 70 open jails and 43 closed jails

  • Some of the challenges discussed include rising jail populations and a lack of access to programming and mental health care

“As of April, 45% of all state inmates were housed in county jails,” said KACo Executive Director Jim Henderson.

According to a presentation from the Kentucky Jailers Association, Kentucky has over 70 open jails and 43 closed jails.

Task Force co-chair State Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, said many counties struggle with the cost of jails.  

“In my home county, it’s a million plus dollars a year and for a small budget … that’s really difficult,” he said.

Some of the other challenges discussed Monday include rising jail populations and a lack of access to programming and mental health care.

“My folks don’t have the training or the expertise to deal with significant mental health issues and I don’t think anybody, some might, but I will tell you it’s few and far between that can deal with mental health issues in a jail,” said James Daley, president of the Kentucky Jailers Association and jailer for the Campbell County Detention Center.

Among other recommendations, the Kentucky Jailers Association is calling for expanded access to mental health and substance use treatment, and uniform training for deputy jailers.

The group plans to meet monthly.

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