What is the primary purpose of regional jails?

The primary purpose of regional jails is to combine jails from multiple counties or jurisdictions. This approach allows for the pooling of resources, sharing of costs, and more effective management of inmate populations across various areas. By centralizing inmates from different jurisdictions into a single facility, regional jails can help alleviate overcrowding issues that may occur in individual county jails and allow for more efficient use of staff and facilities.

Additionally, regional jails often help streamline the legal process for offenders who might otherwise need to be transported across county lines, making it easier for law enforcement and court systems to manage cases. The benefits of this consolidation include improved administrative efficiency, enhanced safety for both staff and inmates, and cost savings for the participating jurisdictions. This collaborative model addresses the challenges faced by smaller jails and supports better overall management of correctional resources.