Fact Check: What’s Really Happening with the Twin Falls Jail Expansion

Twin Falls County Expanding Court and Detention Facilities to Address Growth

Twin Falls County is undergoing an expansion of its judicial and detention facilities to accommodate the region’s growth. I've noticed a lot of rumors on social media about the reasons behind the expansion and the location, so I reached out to Twin Falls County for some clarification.

I spoke with Lieutenant Chris Hogan with Twin Falls County Security Services.

Overcrowding Challenges and Outsourcing Inmates in Twin Falls County

Currently, the Twin Falls County Jail is facing significant overcrowding challenges. The current jail has a maximum capacity of 254 inmates, but classification requirements prevent every bed from being utilized.

Inmates are placed based on the severity of their charges, meaning violent offenders cannot be mixed with lower-level offenders, which can further limit available space.

A large portion of the inmate population are those with felony charges, and the County has done its best to mitigate housing misdemeanor inmates separately.

“We have cells that are designed for two inmates, but we’re housing three or even four in those same spaces,” Hogan explained. “To alleviate this, we’ve been outsourcing inmates to other counties, including Jerome, Adams, Valley, and Jefferson counties, which requires daily transportation and additional expenses.”

Twin Falls County spends nearly $1 million annually outsourcing inmates to Jerome County alone.

MYTH: The Twin Falls Jail is Expanding at Shoshone Street in Twin Falls

Despite what you might see some saying on social media, the current courthouse construction on Shoshone Street does not include an expansion of the county jail. A separate facility is being built on Wright Avenue.

The jail will be constructed in phases, with phase one providing 188 beds, bringing the total county jail capacity to 442 combined with the existing facility. The plan is for both jails to operate in tandem following the completion of Phase 1.

“The goal is to eliminate outsourcing, reduce transportation costs, and keep our resources and manpower in Twin Falls County,” Hogan said. “It will also help ensure safer and more efficient management of inmates.”

Determining Inmate Placement

The plan for how inmates will be assigned to each facility is still in development. However, the Sheriff’s Office would like to see separate facilities by gender, as well as classifying them based on the severity of their offenses.

The new facility may also accommodate work-release programs and lower-risk offenders, allowing the existing jail to focus on higher-risk populations.

Projected Costs and Funding Sources

Phase one of the new detention facility is expected to cost between $19 million and $24 million. Unlike previous failed bond attempts, the county is funding the project primarily through savings and federal grants, without increasing property taxes.

“We’ve been saving taxpayer money for years, knowing this expansion would become necessary,” Hogan explained. “This approach avoids raising taxes while still addressing the growing need for inmate housing.”

Facility Design and Modern Upgrades

The new detention center will feature modern security technology, including surveillance, automated doors, and a body scanner to detect contraband. The upgraded design is expected to improve efficiency and reduce staffing costs in the long term.

“There are different ways to design jails, such as direct and indirect supervision models,” Hogan said. “The better our design, the more efficiently we can staff the facility and reduce unnecessary operational expenses.”

While the exact number of new staff required is still being determined, Hogan estimated the county may need an additional 30 deputies, plus civilian personnel, once phase one is complete. Hiring will depend on finalized staffing plans and funding availability.

Keeping Up with Growth

Twin Falls County’s population has grown significantly over the past decade, nearing 100,000 residents.

“The responsible, law-abiding citizens of Twin Falls County expect us to have the resources necessary to keep the community safe,” Hogan said. “We’re doing everything possible to manage taxpayer money wisely while meeting those expectations.”

How to Learn More

At this time, there is no official website providing project details, but those seeking more information can reach out to the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office or county commissioners, who are closely involved in the process.