SPOKANE, Wash. – During the holiday season, the Spokane County Jail said they see an increase in the amount of people being booked into the jail.
Unfortunately, crime never stops and neither do operations at Spokane's Jail.
"We're always busy," said Sargent Stephan Long of the Spokane County Detention Center.
But during Christmas, jail staff said they are busier than usual.
There is something about the holiday that leads to more people getting DUI's and domestic violence cases.
"We see a big uptick in family arguments, disputes, things like that," said Long. "People partake too much and get carried away."
Despite more crimes, court is closed on Christmas and recently arrested people have to wait a day or two to get an initial hearing. Which could mean an extra night or two in jail.
"Because we go to minimum staffing ourselves it's a challenge sometimes to make sure everyone gets the help they need," said Long.
Being in jail on Christmas also takes a toll on many of the inmates too.
"Depression is a key thing. One of the things we try to prevent is self-harm," said Long.
Jail staff make sure they have extra mental health professionals on hand. They also do a little extra and serve the inmates a special Christmas meal.
