TUESDAY, August 4, 2026|
Photo – Carbon County Jail – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office is now charging the state to hold mental health detainees while they wait to be seen in Evanston.
During the July 20th meeting of the Board of Carbon County Commissioners, Sheriff Alex Bakken announced that he’s been working with the Wyoming Department of Health to find a solution for individuals ordered to undergo mental health evaluations. He said many detainees have had to stay in the Carbon County jail for over half a year while waiting for a bed at the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston.
Sheriff Bakken said he and other sheriffs voiced their frustration by billing the Department of Health for detainees held in jail while waiting to be evaluated at the Wyoming State Hospital. He noted that state legislators have now set aside funds for that purpose.
During the 2026 legislative session, the Wyoming Senate unanimously approved Senate File 10, titled Contracts for Holding and Treating Mentally Ill Detainees. The measure allocated $5 million for the Wyoming Department of Health to contract with county jails for the “security, examination, or treatment of accused persons” who have been charged with a crime but found incompetent to stand trial under Title Seven of the state’s criminal code. Governor Mark Gordon signed the bill into law on March 6th.
During the February 23rd House Appropriations Committee meeting, Natrona County Representative Art Washut said courts across Wyoming are sending more criminal defendants to the state hospital. However, a shortage of beds and staff means those defendants remain in county jails for extended periods of time, putting additional pressure on both, the counties and the inmates.
Back at the July 20th Board of Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken said he and Deputy County Attorney Ashley Davis are drafting a memorandum of understanding requesting $100 a day for mental health detainees. While it’s a step in the right direction, he said even that amount doesn’t fully cover the county’s costs.
Sheriff Bakken said he estimates the county spends roughly $182 a day for each mental health detainee. He said he hopes the Wyoming State Hospital will increase staffing and improve the pace of mental health evaluations. In the meantime, the sheriff said the memorandum of understanding will help Carbon County manage the long‑term housing of those individuals.
Senate File 10 also included funding for counties to offer mental health services inside the jails. That aspect of the bill was not discussed during the July 2oth Board of Commissioners meeting.
