Idaho Sheriff Says Jail is Full, Suggests Fewer Arrests

POCATELLO (KTVB) -- A southeastern Idaho sheriff says the jail is full and is asking area law enforcement agencies to be prudent about who needs to be arrested.

Bannock County Sheriff Lorin Nielsen says the 264-bed Bannock County Detention Center is at capacity.

He tells the Idaho State Journal that cities and state police have been good about simply citing and releasing offenders when possible.

He says the problem could get worse this month when new state regulations allow probation officers to commit parolees to 90 days in jail.

Local officials are moving forward with a $17.9 million bond to build an addition to the jail. It could go before voters next spring.