Will the Whatcom County jail / behavioral care center be too small?

Due to changes at the state and local level, the projected capacity needs have evolved since earlier planning estimates. For instance, Washington State allows for a 33% reduction in time served for good behavior (RCW 94a.729). This change has led to shorter stays in correctional facilities around the state. Washington State has also made efforts to lower bail amounts for misdemeanors and has expanded sentencing options beyond traditional incarceration.

Some have called for 800 to 1200 beds. Efforts at jail diversion such as the LEAD program, the Pretrial Processes Workgroup’s Pretrial Release Assessment Tool, and projects in the Implementation Plan apply downward pressure on the number of jail beds needed.

The ordinance passed by the Whatcom County Council on July 11, 2023 requires that the new Whatcom County jail be appropriately sized to eliminate booking restrictions. A formula will be used to determine the size of the jail at the time of design, and another formula will be used to determine when and if a new pod (living units) should be built to accommodate more inmates.

Image: Bellingham Herald