New Navajo Nation jail faces staffing shortage
Posted at: 02/15/2013 3:43 PM
By: The Associated Press
TUBA CITY, Ariz. (AP) - The Navajo Nation unveiled a new adult detention center Friday as tribal officials look for funding to fully staff it.
The 132-bed jail in Tuba City is expected to open in phases as money becomes available.
Tribal corrections director Delores Greyeyes says the tribe is relying on the federal government for help. She could not say Friday how much money the tribe needs.
The Navajo Nation used a combination of federal and tribal funds to build the $60 million facility. The former lockup in Tuba City was condemned years ago.
The tribe has long struggled with tiny, run-down jails that have a combined 50 bed spaces.
Tribal officials say the new jail will help improve the morale of law enforcement and undo the belief that criminals won't be punished.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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