Lauren Mickler (MIKE-ler) has more from Jefferson City.
Imagine a jail with no rules... well stop dreaming because there are two in Missouri that don't, but Missouri lawmakers are trying to change that.
A private jail is just like any other, except it's privately owned instead of overseen by the government.
Missouri's two private jails are in Johnson and Harrison Counties, and are mainly used to hold overflow from other state prisons, but neither of these are subject to Missouri law.
The sponsor of the Senate bill, Warrensburg Republican David Pearce, says people can't believe it.
Actuality: PEARCE2.WAV |
Run Time: 00:15 |
Description: "When you tell them there's no regulations for private jails, people are shocked. 'What do you mean there's no regulations, no rules?' and there's really not. For example when the people from Johnson County jail escaped last August.. it's not even a crime to escape from a private jail." |
Actuality: GUERN3.WAV |
Run Time: 00:11 |
Description: "My family lives actually about a mile from this private jail, and so if they weren't a good citizen and a good neighbor, it would be very concerning, especially when you hear about these runaways." |