“The goal is not to have to do that,” he said. “Once you put them on the floor, you’ll never get them off the floor.”

When the numbers are high, the local jail instead will have officers give a notice to appear to offenders instead of booking them in for crimes such as disorderly conduct or driving on a suspended license.

“Right now, we wouldn’t have beds. We did for a couple months straight,” Johnson said. “I’ve left for the day at mid-70s and returned at low-90s.”

“This is the way society has changed. Crime is increasing.”

Butte used to average a murder every year or two. Prosecutors had six open homicide cases last year.

“There have been some brutal, brutal acts against people,” said Samm Cox, deputy county attorney.

“Much like the prison, there’s been an increase in all of our workloads.”

Officials acknowledge the growing problems. More violence equals longer prison terms.

“I think the sentences are consistent with the offenses being committed. What alternative do these judges have?” Cox added.