Smaller jails feel insurance pinch

BONNERS FERRY — Small county jails are feeling the brunt of regulations aimed at larger jails in Idaho.

A new insurance liability program follows a one-size fits all approach to jails in Idaho and failure to comply results in lowered liability insurance.

The program was originally going to be implemented on Oct. 1 but ICRMP pushed out the start date to Oct. 1, 2014 to allow counties more time to comply.

The Boundary County jail was found deficient in two of the eight standards adopted for the program, which are based on the Idaho Sheriff’s Association jail inspections.

The issue with deputies lacking CPR training was immediately fixed following the jail inspection. The second issue of not having two detention deputies on staff at all time is still outstanding.

Boundary County Sheriff Greg Sprungl has been advocating for more than two years for a change in regulations regarding two detention deputies on at all time. Instead, he advocates for adequate staffing based on the number of inmates.

“The Jail Standards Group, they do not consider small jail considerations,” said Boundary County Commissioner Dan Dinning. “ICRMP. Are they looking out for small counties?”

In jail facilities you can’t have a one-size fits all approach for different facilities in the state said LeAlan Pinkerton, Boundary County commissioner.

By not complying with the standard of two detention deputies on staff at all times, Boundary County Jail could see a reduction in liability coverage. The $3 million limit for non-state tort claims, including civil rights, would be reduced to $500,000.

Over the last 25 years, there have been less than five claims over $500,000 relating to jails said Carl Ericson, ICRMP. Boundary County hasn’t had a single claim they’ve paid on since 1990 said Sprungl.

Dinning voiced concern that lowering liability coverage may aid somebody to think the jail is not suitable and it makes the county more vulnerable.

“Smaller operations have to have a way out to meet standards set by large population jails,” said Pinkerton. “What suffers is smaller counties to the point of closing their doors.”