Spokane County wins grant to reduce jail population

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - The MacArthur Foundation is giving Spokane County a grant to help reduce overcrowding at the county jail.

Spokane on Wednesday became one of 20 communities across the nation to get a $150,000 grant.

The Spokesman-Review reports the money will help fund a data analyst to evaluate the population of the Spokane County Jail, where overcrowding has long been a problem.

Spokane County Commissioner Shelly O’Quinn says the grant will “kick-start” some reforms, including the creation of courts for drug abusers, veterans and those with mental illnesses.

After six months, the 20 grant-winning communities will be evaluated once more. Five will be selected to receive up to $2 million annually in funding for the next two years.

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, https://www.spokesman.com