Editorial: Reopen Summit View to ease overcrowding

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003 | 8:53 a.m.

There was a reason in 2000 why the state opened the $14 million Summit View detention facility for youthful male offenders -- it was needed. Unfortunately, ensuing problems under its private management forced it to be mothballed in January 2002. The result is overcrowding at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center. Last week 30 youths were awaiting transfer to state detention facilities. They were full, however, forcing the 235-bed county facility to operate at 3 percent overcapacity.

The overcapacity is occurring despite a new county program that has resulted in 100 youths being released. The youths are screened to determine if they are a danger before releasing them to the supervision of their parents or probation officer. While the program is worthy, its return rate is about 20 percent. That, coupled with Southern Nevada's growth, almost assures continual overcrowding unless Summit View is reopened. Gov. Kenny Guinn has $6 million in his budget to reopen it, this time with state employees. As the need is easily documented, it's an expense that should be approved.

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