Boone Co. leaders working on overcrowding at jail

Boone County leaders are taking the first steps toward a goal aimed at reducing the number of mentally ill people currently behind bars.

On Thursday, the commission issued a resolution saying they are committed to the new plan.

It’s designed to safely reduce overcrowding in county jails, which they think should save money in the long run.

ABC 17 News sat down with Commissioner Janet Thompson, who said local groups want to follow the same efforts moving through Congress.

“The National Association of Counties is looking at it from the county level and is saying we all need to step up to reduce in a safe way, the mentally ill population that we are now essentially warehousing in jail.”

So far, the coalition is trying to find gaps in the coverage provided in Boone County, so officials can be more proactive with people who have mental health issues.