PORTLAND, Ore. -- Multnomah County has about 100 empty jail beds right now and that has some leaders wondering whether the county can put its money to better use elsewhere.

Instead of keeping those beds, leaders are considering opening a work-release program or a mental health crisis center.

But, critics said the county may need the beds in the future.

A member of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office explained Tuesday how much leeway the county has to work with.

"In order for our system to not be in emergency status, we need to have 47 beds empty on any given day or moment," the sheriff's office official said.

Experts said the empty jail beds are the result of a drop in crime and probation officers putting violators in jail for shorter times.

Empty County Jail Beds Create Dilemma