Advanced Search
Index: Crime & Safety / Subcategory: Crime

Detention Center Population & Capacity

Date Posted: 11/22/2004

Chart Directory:

Larimer County Detention Center

Inmate Demographics

The Larimer County Detention Center (LCDC) is operated by the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. The Detention Center holds prisoners for all law enforcement agencies in Larimer County. In addition to the Sheriff's Office, these agencies include the Fort Collins Police Services, Loveland Police Department, Estes Park Police Department, Berthoud Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, and Colorado State University Police Department.

Since opening in 1983, the LCDC has experienced tremendous growth in inmate population. The average daily inmate population in 1983 was 105, but by 1995 the daily average had increased 134% to 246 inmates. More recently the population has grown to an average of 482 inmates per day in 2004. Recognizing the need for larger facilities, Larimer County voters approved a sales tax increase in 1997 to fund an expansion of the LCDC. The current total of 500 beds for adults represents the expanded capacity of the jail, and was expected to be sufficient until 2005.

What this chart shows: Annual Average Population & Capacity - Larimer County Detention Center

Annual Average Population & Capacity - Larimer County Detention Center

*Data through Aug 23, 2004.

Data Source: Larimer County Sheriff's Office

See data table

What these data tell us:

In March 2001, the Larimer County Detention Center expanded from 309 beds to its current capacity of 500 beds. Early in 2002, the inmate population filled over 80% of the Detention Center's newly expanded capacity. With each succeeding month, inmate population increased to capacity and has remained consistently full since January 2003.

Due to the management and/or segregation of various inmate classifications (i.e., mental health diagnosis, juvenile inmates, males/ females), occupancy rates nearing 500 inmates actually mean the detention center is full. Therefore, the annual inmate population averages for 2003 and 2004 indicate the Detention Center was filled to capacity both years.

Additional Information:

On Compass -

Outside Compass -

Industry Standards or Targets:

Larimer County Detention Center conforms to the American Correctional Association and National Commission of Correctional Health Care standards.

Data Table:

Annual Average Population & Capacity - Larimer County Detention Center

 

Average Population

Capacity

2000

287

309

2001

337

309

2002

418

500

2003

480

500

2004*

482

500

See chart