Task force seeks mental health experts’ input on new Aroostook jail

CARIBOU, Maine — A committee tasked with exploring options for a new Aroostook County jail wants to include the perspectives of those working to combat the region’s mental health and substance use problems .

Built in 1889, the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton was last renovated 40 years ago. Licensed for 117 inmates, the facility has consistently been at or near capacity in recent years, largely due to inmates awaiting court dates in a jail not designed as a holding facility. Last month, consultants working for the National Institute of Corrections said that the county jail is no longer safe and has reached the end of its life.

As part of their jail assessment, National Institute of Corrections consultants Karen Albert and architect Roger Lichtman recommended that the nine-member task force recruit more members beyond law enforcement.

Currently, the county jail has no space for those professionals to meet with inmates and offer them programs that could help them confront their struggles and prepare them to re-enter society, write Albert and Lichtman in their report.

“There are numerous programs and counseling opportunities that can be afforded to detainees, but there is only one room in the jail suitable to house those programs,”  Albert and Lichtman said. “There is competition for time with other programs and attorney visits.”

The current jail also lacks secure spaces that are large enough for medical examinations, bathrooms, showers, outdoor recreation, storage and intake and booking, according to the National Institute of Corrections report .

On Monday, the task force agreed to let County Administrator Ryan Pelletier reach out to local mental health and recovery professionals.

County Commissioner Norman Fournier warned against forming a too-large task force but said that those perspectives could be necessary.

Aroostook County Sheriff Peter Johnson also suggested contacting Aroostook Mental Health Center.

Pelletier said he would also reach out to Maine’s public defender office and Maine Judicial Branch for possible members. He noted that the current court judges declined to take part in the National Institute of Corrections jail study and tour, believing it would be a conflict of interest.

The task force voted unanimously Monday to recommend that county commissioners approve requests for proposals for consultants to work with the county on steps toward a potential new jail.

The next task force meeting will occur Monday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Caribou Courthouse, 144 Sweden St. Jail study materials can be viewed on the Aroostook County government website .