BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Elevators at the Whatcom County Jail have broken down.
The Sheriff’s Department says corrections officers use the elevators to move inmates between the three secure floors and are critical to the safe operation of the jail.
Sheriff Bill Elfo says they’re compensating by reducing the jail population through expanded booking restrictions and by transferring some eligible inmates to the Work Center on Division Street.
An assessment of the jail in 2016 found that the elevators had “reached the end of their useful lives.”
County voters have turned down two ballot measures in recent years aimed at funding a new jail.
The county is considering a third request.
All jail visitations are now suspended.