In a written report echoing their predecessors, members of the August grand jury said a new jail is the No. 1 priority for Warren County.

It was the10th consecutive time a citizen panel has concluded an improved facility with more cell space is the biggest issue facing the county.

Distinct from previous grand juries, however, this month’s jurors, selected randomly from voter rolls, were able to commend the Warren County Baord of Supervisors, saying they “agree with and appreciate the efforts put forth” by supervisors to date. They also said detailed status reports on the planning, development and construction should be provided to each subsequent grand jury.

In July, supervisors hired Voorhis/Robertson Justice Services Inc. of Colorado on the recommendation of a review panel to coordinate steps leading to design and construction. In their new budget, supervisors allot $136,000 for the process.

The largest issues will be site selection and design.

Research has been under way since August 2007 to define the steps the county will take, initiating at least a five-year process.

The jail at Grove and Cherry streets is constantly filled to its capacity of 118. Taxpayers have been footing the bill for housing detainees in excess of that number in area jails and the cost of ferrying them back and forth. Vicksburg’s bill from the Issaquena County Correctional Facility plus fuel tallied $376, 365 in 2007, spending only $21, 456 on jail services provided to the city by Warren County in 2007.

During the week, jurors toured the jail, a portion of which dates to 1905 with newer portions completed in 1979. An expansion added about 20 cells five years ago.

All five members of the county governing board when seeking their current terms agreed action on a jail was due. Deciding whether to keep the facility near court buildings or to find a rural site will be part of the process as will arranging for financing and developing an operational plan, perhaps in companion with the City of Vicksburg. While a cost estimate will depend on the size and design, construction funds are expected to come from a bond issue. Supervisors have also indicated they’d like to explore building a regional facility where some operating costs could be offset by renting jail space to additional area governments.

Also recommended by the grand jury were:,br>

* The position of Warren County prosecutor should be fulltime with an assistant and clerical support.

* More investigators are needed for the Vicksburg Police Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the District Attorney’s Office. The report also noted low pay and turnover in city and county law enforcement.

* The citizens of Warren County should urge local legislators to become more involved with the juvenile justice system and implement reforms as a long-term solution to reducing crime.

* A list of current and past problems dealing with the city and county operations might be added to the orientation portion of grand jury sessions.

* An additional assistant district attorney should be employed.

* The Warren County Board of Supervisors and Vicksburg police chief should make presentations to each session.

* The Warren County District Attorney’s office, including the grand jury room, should be provided with updated computer and audio/visual equipment including laptop computers.

* Residential facilities to house the mentally ill habitual adult offenders should be established.

The grand jury system is used in Mississippi to allow citizens, selected at random, to have a formal voice in government. Panels have sweeping investigative authority, but except in reviewing criminal cases, their actions, including their reports, are advisory.