Delaware County Jail research files

In 1978, controversy about overcrowding in the Delaware County Jail developed and a class action suit was filed by inmates of the jail alleging improper jail conditions, especially overcrowding. A state inspection of the jail in March of 1980 resulted in demands that the problems be addressed. A compromise in the inmates' lawsuit was reached in January 1981 required the county to pay for the legal fees of the inmates and propose a resolution to the problems of overcrowding, poor lighting, insufficient diet, lack of bedding and more by September of the same year. Finally, in November 1985, a resolution was approved by the court. Demolition of the existing jail was approved, but the court said that a new jail should be finished by July 1, 1987, and no later than August 25, 1987. After this decision, planning for a new jail began and Muncie government officials made several poor decisions concerning the finances of the project. As architects and negligent contractors were fired, ineffective equipment was purchased, county officials indicted, and accusations of fraud and wasted taxpayer money were made, court cases ensued. After years of city/county officials haggling and legal controversy, the new jail was finally opened in November 1992. A main reason for the delay was severe design and construction errors.