Why Are Detroit-Area Jail Cells Empty?

Empty jail cells are normally something to celebrate, but Wayne County's top law enforcement officials say the hundreds of vacant jail beds are not because of a drop in crime or more reasonable sentencing. Floors of the downtown Detroit jail are empty because police are arresting fewer people accused of those crimes. Altogether, three county jails that held about 2,500 prisoners a year ago now house 400 fewer inmates.

Empty jail cells are normally something to celebrate, but Wayne County's top law enforcement officials say the hundreds of vacant jail beds are not because of a drop in crime or more reasonable sentencing. Floors of the downtown Detroit jail are empty because police are arresting fewer people accused of those crimes. Altogether, three county jails that held about 2,500 prisoners a year ago now house 400 fewer inmates.

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