Article: County Jail population hits record of 1,401 As number of inmates jumps, officials scramble to handle the overflow

The Milwaukee County Jail set a new population record of 1,401 prisoners nearly double its capacity prompting officials from the courts, Sheriff's Department, County Board and county administration to wrestle anew with the jail population issue.

Sheriff's Department Facility Administrator Willie McFarland said the jail population hit 1,300 or more prisoners about 12 times last year. This year, he said, it hit 1,300 about nine times in January alone. The previous record population, 1,372, was recorded Feb. 19.

"You can see where we're going," he said. After peaking Monday, the population was down to 1,314 Tuesday morning.

The jail was built to hold a maximum of 798 inmates. Officials have ...

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