The Sheriff’s answers to County Council questions on April 23, 2015 included excerpts from the ungoogleable  document, "Technical Assistance Report (TA#04J1051) - “Operational Review of the Whatcom County Jail”" by Jeffrey Schwartz, PhD, 2004.  One such reason was highlighted on page eight of the document and can be seen by enlarging the photo.

Pulling the supports from under a building is a sure-fire way to create a crisis.  Was anyone held responsible?  Have repairs been effected?  Has the overarching thrust for a new facility submerged all interest in accountability and stewardship?