It's a problem that could affect the Pitt County community if something isn't done soon.
The jail there is overcrowded and safety issues are becoming a huge concern. The overcrowding at the jail has forced Pitt County Sheriff Mac Manning to shuffle personnel and move them into the jail.
Manning says a report by a consulting firm hired by the county in June indicated the jail needs at least 32 additional detention officers to manage the current number of inmates, but Manning points out funding to hire these additional officers is not provided in this year's budget.
Manning says at times, staff in the jail operates with as little as 16 detention officers. Pitt County officials could not be reached for comment. Sheriff Manning says there have been talks with county officials on constructing a new jail.
