Bay County jail getting new medium-security wing focused on inmate substance abuse treatment
PANAMA CITY — By 2024, Bay County Jail inmates with drug or alcohol issues can expect new digs.
A $1.5 million grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement combined with the county's portion of a $286 million state opioid settlement will fund the construction of the $3 million dormitory wing, according to Sheriff Tommy Ford.
The medium-security wing will be built onto the high-security jail at 5700 Star Lane.
Bay County Sheriff's Office Maj. Rick Anglin — who oversees the jail, the warrants division and courthouse security — said the vast majority of prisoners are regular drug and/or alcohol users, and about 75% of them are repeat offenders.
Although the court orders many offenders into the substance abuse treatment program called Lifeline, prisoners can volunteer to participate, according to the sheriff's office website.
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"Jail is an opportunity to provide programs and services to help individuals so that when they're released, they can lead productive lives," Ford said.
The BCSO's webpage describing the substance abuse program states that, "On a physical level, the Lifeline Program addresses addictions, substance abuse, and physical limitations. On a personal level, the Lifeline Program addresses such topics as coping skills, conflict resolution, family relationships and the recognition of self-worth."
The new wing will open the program to more than twice as many inmates as are now being served.
About 40 men and 20 women, most court-ordered and some volunteer, participate in the program but the new wing will open space for 120 men, Anglin said.
Moving men into the dorm also would open the door for more women in the program.
The women in the Lifeline program would continue to be housed in the existing jail, but with a little renovation in the jail there will be room for more to participate.
The new wing will be constructed where the jail garden is currently located. It is expected to measure 140 to 160 feet long and about 50 feet wide, and feature four pods containing 30 beds apiece, Anglin said.
"We're already paying for their room and board, we've got a captive audience," Ford said. "They don't have access to drugs in there and they're in a detoxed state. So it's the perfect atmosphere to try to help them."
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay County jail getting new drug, alcohol abuse treatment wing
