McCracken County Jail Purchases Two New Vehicles

The McCracken County Jail recently purchased two vehicles with proceeds raised from the facility's commissary.

McCracken County Jailer David Knight said in a press release Monday afternoon that the two Dodge Durangos, which cost $74,000, were paid for without using any taxpayer funds. He added that the county is usually required to purchase jail vehicles, but a $900,000 deficit made it necessary to find funding elsewhere. 

"Seeing how we could help the county, as well as the inmates, we knew it was just the right thing to do." Knight said. "These vehicles were essential in the operation of the jail. The jail has increased in population by approximately 80 inmates since the beginning of 2019. Due to two of the jail's vehicles not being suitable for inmate transport, we were in position where we were having trouble getting inmates to federal court, doctors’ visits, as well as the various new programs."

Knight said the jail receives about $4 million per year from federal and state agencies, and that making sure the jail can provide the necessary services is essential to the facility's operations.

Knight said the vehicles were open to public bid, with only one dealer qualifying.

"We at the jail are proud of our current service to the community. Ensuring inmates are transported in a safe and timely manner is a top priority to our operation," Knight said. "We were able to obtain this goal and provide savings to local taxpayers by purchasing vehicles with non-taxpayer dollars we well as benefiting the inmates. It’s a win win situation for the Inmates, the jail operations as well as the community."