Many jail inmates aren't convicts at all, they are being held while awaiting trial.
Very true, and I thought of that as well, but I initially misread the story to read that they were convicts. However upon looking again, I see they are only accused of misdemeanor offenses. I'd put the convicts out in the tent, or if those being held for trial must be put out there, I'd put those accused of felonies. Those convicted of felonies are generally sent to the state prison system after trial.