Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon's approaching a shortage of jail beds for female inmates in coming years. April Baer reports on the state Department of Corrections' projections of inmate populations.

The state was expecting an increase in male inmates, since voters just approved sentencing changes under Measure 57.

Corrections Chief Max Williams says accommodations for them can be made at existing prisons, or by getting help from county jails, but female inmates are another story.

Max Williams: "We projected between three hundred to four hundred additional women  over a three year period of time once Measure 57 becomes law, that will come into the Department of Corrections."

The problem is that the state women's prison, Coffee Creek, at Wilsonville, is getting close to capacity.

Williams isn't waving red flags yet, but is making the legislature aware of the long-term need. 

Prison officials are considering remodeling Coffee Creek, converting space for the prisoners' industrial work projects into room for beds.