JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Hinds County Supervisors voted Monday afternoon 3-2 to close the Raymond Detention center. The vote was pushed by freshman supervisor Kenny Stokes.
Supervisor Douglas Anderson came to the afternoon meeting and cast his vote in favor. Anderson was not present this morning when the vote failed. He appeared very frail.
Hinds County Sheriff Tyrone Lewis has faced inadequate staffing at the Raymond jail and inmates have escaped.
"It's important we send a message throughout this county that this county will move forward with a new jail. We are not going to close the existing jail tomorrow and put everybody on the streets," said supervisor Stokes.
In response, Supervisor Peggy Hobson Calhoun said, "I don't think this board should send a message to the criminals that we are going to close the detention center. We should be about the business of planning to build a new detention center not closing one."
Also opposing the motion was supervisor Phil Fisher. Fisher said most of the inmates are from the city of Jackson and Jackson should build a new jail.
The Hinds County Sheriff was pleased with Monday's vote. Supervisors Peggy Hobson Calhoun and Phil fisher voted against closing the jail and building a new one. Stokes, Anderson and Robert Graham voted in favor of the motion.
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