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Since You Asked: Jail release decisions aren't made in a vacuum Monday Oct 10, 2016 at 8:21 PM The Mail Tribune lists various crimes where people have been arrested but then released on their own recognizance, and then don't appear in court. Why are they not kept in jail until their court appearance? Probably overcrowding, but seriously, keep them locked up! — Rene F., Medford Releasing suspects before their court date is not taken lightly, Rene. Capt. Dan Penland with the Jackson County Jail tells us that certain crimes will keep suspects locked up until their court date. For the rest, it depends on the crime's severity and whether the person is deemed a danger to the public, plus jail space concerns at the 292-bed facility. "Because we're so overcrowded, those are the decisions we have to make every day," Penland said. "We always try and keep in mind what's in the best interest of the public." Measure 11 crimes such as murder and first-degree robbery will keep you behind bars. Same for folks with federal warrants and sex offenders. Sometimes police also request jail holds for certain suspects who, under normal circumstances, might see a recognizance release. Additionally, the jail keeps certain offenders there for specific amounts of time before they consider whether to release them. Penland says domestic violence suspects stay in jail at least 12 hours and are only released during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving them better access to resources and a heightened chance they'll find another place to stay. Suspects who are intoxicated have to reach a certain level of sobriety before they are released. — Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. To see a collection of columns, go to mailtribune.com/youasked. We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them.