WARSAW — Locally, a change of the Indiana criminal code is leaving law enforcement combatting higher-than-ever inmate populations.

Recently, the Kosciusko County jail experienced a weekend in which every bed in the newly built section, which was constructed 12 years ago, was occupied. As the jail continues to creep closer to capacity, Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine noted county officials are currently working to develop programs that will help relieving any overcrowding possible.

A total of 264 inmates are currently housed in the county jail, which has a max occupancy of 302 inmates. Forty-seven males are enrolled in the work release program, located off of Center Street. Rovenstine noted the cost to feed and house inmates per day is $35 to $50, excluding medical expenses the jail must incur.

Though the jail has experienced high numbers, Rovenstine noted they are still far from a crisis state. “(The jail population) does go up and down,” explained Rovenstine. “However, our ups are higher than before and are downs are not as low.”

Rovenstine offered several possible contributing factors to the higher than usual inmate numbers. He noted that several elements have changed the way local jails are forced to house inmates due to recent federal and state mandates. Low-level offenders, who at one time could be housed at larger jail facilities are largely remaining behind bars locally.

“Obviously we just spent upwards of $20 million expanding the jail nearly 12 years ago. It is not something I want to explore again. People have to decide: if we want that many people in jail, we have to pay for it. I have no desire to expand but if that is what society wants, that will be the option.”

In addition, Indiana as a whole has seen a major surge in drug related arrests, a problem seen across the entire U.S. Rovenstine noted though various drugs have made an appearance within the county, a common nuisance is methamphetamine. Kosciusko has taken a “very aggressive” stance against drugs according to Rovenstine. However with more arrests comes a higher need for jail space and reformation programs.

A growing number of female inmates have been reported in area jails as well. Rovenstine explained in the early 2000’s, it was unusual to see even 10 females behind bars. However, today three blocks at the jail are filled with a total of 63 females. Rovenstine stated judges and prosecutors have become less lenient on women, when at one time they were very reluctant to sentence to jail time — especially mothers.

Though the answer to overcrowding is still uncertain, several county organizations are taking steps to help relieve jail numbers and reform offenders to become productive, law-abiding citizens. A point of contention lies in the desire for criminals to receive harsher punishments versus the reluctance to pay for an expansion of the jail.

In an effort to reform drug users, Kosciusko County courts are currently implementing a “drug court” which allows those previously arrested and convicted of drug related charges to fulfill certain criteria to prove they are drug free. In addition, Rovenstine explained a women’s work release program is also being developed at an old hotel near Long John Silvers in Warsaw which will free up jail blocks currently inhabited by female inmates. Rovenstine stated he hopes to see between 15-20 women placed in the work release program.

Additional efforts include home detention and serving sentences on probation. Though these programs are either underway or in development stages, Rovenstine noted it could take some time to measure the effectiveness of each one.