History

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The Clare County Jail was established in 1871 as a temporary facility to house prisoners until they could be transferred to the state prison in Jackson. The jail was originally located in the basement of the courthouse, and it consisted of two cells that were each about 6 feet by 8 feet in size.

Expansion

In 1873, the county commissioners approved the construction of a new jail. The new jail was built on the same site as the old jail, and it consisted of four cells that were each about 8 feet by 10 feet in size. The new jail also included a sheriff's office and a kitchen.

Improvements

In 1907, the jail was renovated and expanded. The renovation included the addition of two new cells, a new sheriff's office, and a new kitchen. The expansion included the addition of a second story, which housed the jailer's quarters.

New Jail

In 1963, the county commissioners approved the construction of a new jail. The new jail was built on a new site on the outskirts of Harrison, and it consisted of 48 cells. The new jail also included a sheriff's office, a kitchen, and a medical clinic.

Renovation

In 1991, the jail was renovated and expanded. The renovation included the addition of 16 new cells, a new sheriff's office, and a new kitchen. The expansion included the addition of a third story, which housed the jailer's quarters.

Current Jail

The Clare County Jail is currently a 64-bed facility that houses male and female inmates. The jail is staffed by a sheriff, a jail administrator, and 20 corrections officers.

Inmate Programs

The Clare County Jail offers a variety of programs for inmates, including:

• Educational programs
• Substance abuse treatment programs
• Mental health counseling
• Job training programs
• Reentry programs

Challenges

The Clare County Jail faces a number of challenges, including:

• Overcrowding: The jail is currently operating at overcapacity, which can lead to health and safety concerns.
• Understaffing: The jail is currently understaffed, which can make it difficult to provide adequate security and services to inmates.
• Lack of funding: The jail is currently facing a budget deficit, which has made it difficult to maintain the facility and provide adequate programs and services to inmates.

Future

The future of the Clare County Jail is uncertain. The county commissioners are currently considering a number of options, including:

• Expanding the current jail
• Building a new jail
• Contracting with another county to house inmates

The county commissioners are expected to make a decision on the future of the jail in the coming months.