In response to a growing inmate population and limited space, the Potter County Commissioners Court has approved an agreement to temporarily house inmates in Randall County’s jail facility. The move comes as the Potter County Detention Center reaches its maximum capacity of 631 inmates — a number officials say highlights the urgent need for expanded resources and long-term planning.
The county has already been outsourcing inmates to five neighboring counties, a process that adds logistical challenges and additional costs to the already stretched criminal justice system.
“Our jail is full. We have been discussing building a new facility or adding to the one we have,” said Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner. “Right now, we are full to capacity. It is impertinent that we have to get them farmed out to other jails, and we’re using about five different counties now.”
The decision to work with Randall County is part of a growing trend in Texas, and across the country, where rural and mid-sized counties are struggling to manage inmate populations amid fluctuating crime rates, staffing shortages, and aging infrastructure.
County officials say transporting inmates to outside facilities is not an ideal solution. Each transfer requires coordination between sheriff’s deputies, court schedules, and legal representation, not to mention the burden it places on families trying to stay in contact with incarcerated loved ones.
“There are a lot of moving parts involved,” said a representative from the Potter County Sheriff’s Office. “From transportation costs to communication barriers, it’s not as simple as just sending someone down the road. We have to consider the logistics, the safety, and the human side of it all.”
Adding to the challenge is a national shortage of detention officers and support staff, which has made it more difficult to maintain existing facilities safely and efficiently.
The Commissioners Court has floated several long-term solutions, including expanding the current jail facility or constructing a new one altogether. However, any such proposal would come with a hefty price tag and would likely require voter approval through a bond measure.
Community members and local leaders continue to express a range of opinions about the county’s approach. Some are calling for more investment in alternatives to incarceration, such as mental health programs, drug rehabilitation services, and pre-trial diversion initiatives. Others argue that a growing population and ongoing crime concerns make physical jail expansion a necessity.
Judge Tanner remained hopeful that the inmate population will decline in the coming months, particularly if community-led crime prevention efforts gain momentum.
The agreement with Randall County is expected to take effect immediately, with officials continuing to monitor the jail population closely. Further discussions regarding the future of the Potter County jail system are likely to take place in upcoming commissioner meetings.
