more on norfolk's violence

it's scary, even in jail.

crowded Norfolk jail is at the breaking point:

The jail population Tuesday morning was 1,887, slightly down from Monday’s record high of 1,915, Sheriff Robert J. McCabe said. Its rated capacity is 833 inmates.

The crowding stresses the food budget, equipment and staff, as well as inmates, McCabe said. Acts of violence have increased 15 percent during the past six months, he said. “You’ve got people climbing over each other to get to the bathroom,” he said. That can spark something in a block of 50, 60 people.”

McCabe said that on Monday deputies escorted a new inmate to a cell block and the inmates threatened to beat him up if they had to take another. He was placed in the block and attacked, McCabe said.

the overcrowding in our jail is causing more violence within the jail. the increased jail population is from more violence in the city. comparing this year's crime stats to last year's, homicide is up 67.4%, agg. assault increased 49.7%, and burglary is up 18.4%.

i wonder how many of those stuffed in there were convicted of petty drug offenses.