The St. Louis City NAACP is calling for expanded pretrial services and diversion programs as the City Justice Center approaches its 860-person capacity.
The jail reported 852 people confined Wednesday. The NAACP, in a report submitted Monday to the U.S. Department of Justice, argues that supervised release, mental health and substance-use diversion and other alternatives could reduce the jail population and the need for additional space.
Mayor Cara Spencer said this week that the city lacks money for a new jail. Corrections Commissioner Nate Hayward said the city is hiring someone to work with judges to identify detainees who could qualify for pretrial release.
The NAACP also recommends expanded medical, recreational and educational space.