I have never seen as many folks having a good time in a jail as I did last Thursday night at the “Open House” for the new Madison County Jail.

The new fenced-in parking lot was full, and a steady stream of folks came through for several hours to tour the new facility.

The most interesting part of the day was Sheriff Julian Wiser explaining the improvements in the operation of the Madison County Jail.

There will be an emphasis on preparing inmates for life after jail, not only giving them the opportunity for a better life but also helping to cut down the recidivism rate.

Various types of re-entry programs have been implemented and will be available.

Experts will be on-site to address substance abuse and mental health issues that may be challenging inmates.

Increased technology will help make conditions inside the jail more “livable.”

The sheriff said violent and non-violent prisoners will be better separated. This policy change will give many inmates much better living conditions and keep young, non-violent prisoners from being influenced by older, more hardened criminals. This is a significant step.

Maybe the most crucial program, Jail Ministries, will be available for all inmates who wish to participate.

A note of encouragement from Wiser came when he advised us the inmate population had been reduced by almost 20 percent (from 500+ to 400+), ensuring the new facility wasn’t at full capacity on the first day of operation. The reduction was accomplished by moving eligible prisoners from county to state housing.

Thanks to Sheriff Wiser and all the fine women and men of the Madison County Sheriff’s Department for your hard work and dedication to public service.

Jim Leach’s book “You Can Tell ME, Effective Interviewing Made Simple,” is available at “booksbyleach.com” and Amazon.com.