The Barren County Detention Center is pictured in this file photo. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1
STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
The Barren County Detention Center recorded more releases than intakes, according to Barren County Jailer Aaron Shirley.
The facility, which houses inmates from Barren, Monroe, and Metcalfe counties, as well as those from the state, reported 2,933 imprisonments versus 2,944 releases from the jail’s custody, a difference of 11.
Barren County Jailer Aaron Shirley was not surprised by these figures, suggesting that such numbers were typical for the detention center.
“I went back and look at last year’s [data] and [the totals are] within 15 to 20 people,” Shirley said. “That’s pretty typical running number over the last couple years.”
Aside from complimentary hold of inmates from surrounding counties, which are not billed, the Barren County Detention Center charges $45 per day to house inmates from Monroe and Metcalfe counties, while the state inmate fee stands at $35.34 per day.
With a capacity of 178 beds, the jail had a total of 631 inmates from Monroe County and 499 from Metcalfe County over the year. Shirley said overcrowding isn’t unique to the Barren County Detention Center, but an issue across the board.
“There’s not a jail in the state that’s under capacity,” Shirley said.
Key facts:
– 2,933 intakes and 2,944 releases in 2025
– The facility houses state and county inmates
– Charges: $45/day for Monroe and Metcalfe, $35.34/day for state
– 178-bed capacity with significant usage from Monroe and Metcalfe counties
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