Bill > H3137

This bill authorizes county sheriffs to establish regional lock-up facilities, which are secure holding areas for individuals arrested or detained. These facilities would function similarly to existing lock-ups but would be operated on a regional basis, allowing multiple cities and towns to join by agreement. Each regional lock-up would be required to have an on-site courtroom with assigned judicial and court personnel for arraignments and bail reconsiderations, and any facilities built after the bill's enactment must also have an on-site courtroom. The bill also clarifies that police officers transporting prisoners to these facilities retain their authority throughout their jurisdiction, and while regional lock-ups and their personnel will generally follow existing detention and booking laws, member city and town police departments will be exempt from certain training requirements. The sheriff will appoint an administrator for each regional lock-up, who will have the same responsibilities as a keeper of a lock-up.