9-2-26 City of Oak Harbor Police Community Advisory Board

The City of Oak Harbor Police Community Advisory Board met on September 2, 2026, primarily to discuss the current state and future plans for the Island County Jail and Juvenile Detention Center. Chief Brionus provided an extensive presentation highlighting the aging infrastructure of the existing facilities, which are nearly 50 years old, and the challenges posed by limited space, lack of natural light, inadequate emergency lighting, and outdated systems. He emphasized the importance of modern correctional programming aimed at reducing recidivism and improving inmate outcomes, including substance abuse treatment programs and mental health services. The discussion also covered staff training, safety concerns, and the impact of facility deficiencies on staff retention. The board was informed about ongoing feasibility studies for a new jail facility, with potential locations identified and a proposed 140-bed capacity. The project is expected to be subject to a public ballot measure for funding approval. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but the discussion sets the stage for future capital improvement projects and potential procurement related to the new facility construction.