SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset County Jail can no longer accept female prisoners and it must install a fire-rated door within two months after an inspection by state corrections officials.

The long list of problems at the old jail in downtown Skowhegan underscores the need for the jail’s building committee to address a long list of violations outlined by the inspectors in March.

Inspectors say the old jail is overcrowded, understaffed and does not meet safety codes. They said officers are routinely at risk.

The committee voted to spend $30,000 to hire a consultant to look at the problems. Officials estimate that improving the old jail or building a new one could cost up to $12 million.

In the meantime, the most dangerous violations must be corrected, said Ralph E. Nichols, state director of correctional inspections.

Improved smoke detectors, fire alarms, a new washing machine, and electrical and plumbing problems have either been corrected or are being worked on, jail administrator Capt. Stephen Giggey said.

The county can keep female prisoners for as long as 72 hours and then must find a place to board them, Nichols said.

If overcrowding at the jail continues to grow, then the county must consider bringing in a modular cell unit, he said.