BEDFORD – Sheriff Greg Day told the commissioners Tuesday morning there are some high-ticket repairs that will be needed be addressed at the Lawrence County jail for officer and inmate safety.
This is a head up that we are looking at some high-ticket items and repairs. We will need to address the security camera system, closing off the catwalk, and the security doors in the jail,” Day said.
There are also issues with a number of police vehicle repairs.
“The cost of everything has increased,” added Day. “The repair costs are skyrocketing.”
Day said he also needs to replace all the officer’s body cameras.
“They are outdated and at the end of their life span. We are unable to get them repaired because they are absolute,” he said. “But this is going to be expensive we are looking at $150,000 to $160,000. I am working on obtaining a federal grant that will pay half of the cost. The grant is a matching grant.”
Sheriff Day said body cameras are extremely important and an example of that was when two officers were injured and the suspect lost his life during a traffic stop at the Sinclair station on State Road 37.
“Video recorded by bodycams helps protect police officers and citizens against false accusations, claims of misconduct, or abuse,” Day explained. “Increases transparency and accountability of officers and can help prevent and de-escalate confrontational situations between officers and civilians.”
Day reported there were 103 inmates in the jail this morning, of those 85 were males, 18 were females, seven were Department of Correction holds, and nine were Level 6 felons.
Day said six of the seven DOC holds will be leaving the facility next week.
Work continues on the staffing issue in central dispatch. Day said he hired three new dispatchers, however, one called and said they would not take the job.
“I am proud of the men and woman of this department and the great work they continue to do,” said Day. “We have had some unprecedented events happen the first few months of my term.”
