In 2005 there were 3,946 people booked into the Kosciusko County Jail, according to Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine's year-end jail report.

That figure is 7 percent less than 2004's booking number of 4,244.

The annual report is a requirement in Indiana, made to the circuit court.

Rovenstine also presented it to the county council Thursday.

Failure to appear/comply (1,477) led the list of most common bookings. Alcohol-related offenses (1,415) were the second-highest number.

There were no "in custody" deaths, escapes or attempted escapes in 2005.

A digital camera recording system replaced the analog recording system last year.

Continuing programs for inmates include:

• In-house administration of GED exams offered by an Indiana Licensed Administrator through Warsaw Community High School. Classes are given weekly to prepare inmates for the exam.

Jail pastor John Boren holds church services at least twice a week for the male and female prisoners. A Spanish-language religious service is offered from time to time for the Hispanic inmates.

Alcoholics Anonymous holds two meetings each week.

Anger management classes and parenting classes were offered to inmates.

Work release was offered to women inmates and 23 prisoners participated last year, generating $10,660.

The jail houses inmates from two other counties and from the State Department of Corrections. This service is charged on a per-inmate basis and generated $712,180 in fees: $276,815 from Delaware County; $13,615 from Miami County and $421,750 from the DOC.

Rovenstine said the division needs more employees. Shortfalls are experienced when jail officers are guarding inmates at medical facilities or transporting them for warrants or court hearings.

The problem often becomes a security issue and places the remaining jail officers at risk.

The jail's capacity is 325 inmates. [[In-content Ad]]