On Sunday, the Prince William-Manassas jail population went over 1,000 for the first time in its history, marking a rapid rise since handling an average of 700 inmates in the 2005 fiscal year.
“We’ve had a huge jump,” said Jail Superintendent Skip Land.
The regional jail board took a moment to let the number sink in during Wednesday’s meeting, but members were hardly surprised given the regular climb in recent months.
“We knew we’d get there one of these days,” board Chairman Patrick Hurd said.
The landmark crowd of 1,004 demonstrated the problems on tap as Prince William County is preparing to bolster efforts to hold more illegal immigrants in its custody.
Because the main facility in Manassas can’t accommodate 800 inmates, more than 200 had to be held in other jails, Land said.
Land has been contacting other Northern Virginia detention centers, including one in Winchester with 90 beds available, to prepare for an increase related to Prince William County’s new immigration policy.
The Prince William County Board unanimously passed a plan last week that directed police to ask about the legal status of suspects upon arrest when there is probable cause they are illegal immigrants.
Earlier this month, Land estimated the number of illegal immigrants held in the jail system at 126.
A major expansion is under way, set to bring 200 more beds to the facility. However, even as work crews begin installing the exterior facade, its opening is still more than a year away in fall 2008.
“When we saw the new cells going in, it really showed how far along the project is,” Hurd said. “I wish we had it ready 10 years ago.”
