Jails: Yes on 86

California jails need space for 15,000 more prisoners, according to the most recent state Board of Corrections report. Proposition 86, a $500-million bond issue for the construction of jails and youth facilities, would help make that space available.

The jails in 41 of California’s 58 counties are filled beyond design capacity. Crowding is so severe in 24 counties, including Los Angeles and Orange counties, that courts have ordered prisoners released to avoid exceeding limits.

To comply with the federal court mandate, Los Angeles County Sheriff Sherman Block has authorized early releases for 23,169 adults since June 30, and still the jails are full. The reason is that more than 230,000 adults were booked through the Los Angeles jails last year.

The majority of jailed inmates are awaiting trial or dismissal. The remainder, many of them convicted of misdemeanor crimes, are serving sentences of one year or less. Like convicts in state prisons, however, the jail inmates are doubling up in crowded cells, gyms, chapels, kitchens and halls.

Proposition 86 would provide money for construction, expansion, rehabilitation, deferred maintenance and replacement of county correctional facilities and juvenile-detention facilities. It would also provide money for youth centers and youth shelters; that would help needy youngsters, including abused children, neglected children and runaway teen-agers.

The bond money has not been earmarked for specific facilities, but the California Legislature is expected to determine how much a county would be eligible to receive. To get the money, counties would also be required to meet certain guidelines, like providing some local matching funds, numerous alternatives to jail, and adequate facilities for mentally ill or intoxicated persons. Another guideline would require counties to prohibit the jailing of juveniles in adult facilities unless local laws permit it.

Proposition 86 is the third jail-bond issue in six elections. The interest is expected to cost $400 million over 20 years. It is an expensive but necessary proposition.

California is expected to need 25,000 additional jail spaces by 1992. Serving time should not be easy, but neither should it be cruel and inhumane. We urge a Yes vote on Proposition 86.