Missouri trailer jail complete but empty amid staff shortage

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(AP) – A temporary jail in southwest Missouri has finished
construction but sits empty due to a staff shortage.The Springfield News-Leader reports that a series of semi-trailers have been outfitted with sleeping bunks and other features to house up to 108 inmates at Greene County. The facility was turned over to Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott about two weeks ago.

Arnott says he doesn’t have enough staff to house inmates at the temporary jail. He says he’s working to hire officers, but low wages make it difficult.

The trailer jail was built with the intention to save money. County officials say it will cost less to keep overflow inmates in the temporary jail than to pay for housing in other counties.

Arnott doesn’t know when the temporary jail will be operational.

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