There are more than 350 detainees inside the Shelby County Jail’s intake room, a number that far exceeds the available space and seating, and some have been in that room for weeks.
That number was noted in a spreadsheet available to those in the Shelby County criminal justice system — such as the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby County District Attorney’s office, Shelby County Public Defender’s office and other ancillary branches — which was provided to The Commercial Appeal by bail reform nonprofit Just City.
The CA verified the data’s authenticity from multiple sources and independent analysis. Additionally, Just City bail advocacy coordinator Laramie Wheeler said she was told the number had grown to 356 by 3 p.m. July 23. As of July 24 at 1:30 p.m., defense attorney John Pritchard told The CA the intake population had increased to 371…