History

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The Scioto County Jail is a historic jail located in Portsmouth, Ohio. The jail was built in 1888 and is one of the oldest jails in the state of Ohio. The jail is made of red brick and has a limestone foundation. The jail has three stories and a basement. The jail has a total of 104 cells.

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Construction

The Scioto County Jail was built in 1888 by the architectural firm of Yost & Packard. The jail was built for $100,000. The jail was built to replace the old jail, which was located on the same site. The old jail was built in 1854 and was made of wood. The old jail was destroyed by a fire in 1886.

Design

The Scioto County Jail is a three-story brick building with a limestone foundation. The jail has a total of 104 cells. The cells are located on the second and third floors of the jail. The first floor of the jail contains the jailer's office, a kitchen, and a dining room. The basement of the jail contains the boiler room and the laundry room.

Inmates

The Scioto County Jail has a capacity of 104 inmates. The jail houses both male and female inmates. The jail houses inmates who are awaiting trial, inmates who have been sentenced to less than one year in jail, and inmates who are being held for other jurisdictions.

Conditions

The conditions at the Scioto County Jail have been criticized by some inmates and their families. Inmates have complained about overcrowding, lack of medical care, and lack of access to legal counsel. The jail has also been criticized for its high suicide rate.

Renovations

The Scioto County Jail has undergone several renovations over the years. In 1998, the jail was renovated to add a new wing that increased the jail's capacity by 50 beds. In 2010, the jail was renovated to add a new medical unit.

Future

The future of the Scioto County Jail is uncertain. The jail is currently overcrowded and in need of major repairs. The county is considering building a new jail, but no plans have been finalized.