LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
3 MARCH 2025
Chair Commissioner Matthew Hopkins opened the meeting asking Commissioner Roger Reedy to offer a prayer and lead the pledge. The minutes of 7 October 2024 were moved for approval by Commissioner Gayle Jones, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, and were approved unanimously. The Chair then asked if any of the public wanted to speak to the agenda and there being none the Chair moved to the next agenda item, County Executive (CE) announcements, and there were none at this time. The Chair then moved to the next agenda item.
Boiler Repair – Chief Deputy Michael Woodard gave the following information: The boiler which is more than 30 years old was spraying water from the tank and the jail’s maintenance person, on inspecting the system, noted it was beyond repair. The jail has two boilers one for inmate showers (800 gallon) and one for the kitchen use (400 gallon). One company made a recommendation for a 2K gallon tank estimated cost $146K; another company for an on-demand system had provided an estimated cost of $168K. During process of searching companies, the hole in the 800 gallon tank stopped spraying for the time being. Sheriff Purvis noted that the second boiler may be in the same condition. The potential associated problem with a boiler down or replaced is having to move inmates, possibly even to other locations. Sheriff Purvis noted he had assisted another county that also needed to move inmates, had housed those inmates and the other county’s cost was significant. Commissioner Gayle Jones asked if there was an estimated availability on another boiler, or repair to existing boiler(s) (not yet). Commissioner Brad Butler said based on his experience the up-front cost might be more, but the long-term cost for an in-demand system was much cheaper. The Chair noted that the jail is the only county department to have their own maintenance person and Sheriff Purvis gave an example of a repair estimated to cost $6K and the maintenance person did the repair for $4. Commissioner Goolsby asked if the inmates would have to be moved while the installation was on-going and Sheriff Purvis said no one was giving timing yet, and he also considered using the other boiler might result in no move.
Deputy Increases – Sheriff Purvis used a chart to show total number of officers and their specific jobs. He noted that the state’s recommendation is one officer per thousand population, and he also said his most common complaint was that citizens did not see patrol officers on their roads. Given the other potential use of officers, e.g., at schools, at courthouse, investigations, animal control (had 804 calls in 2024), that leaves 16 actually patrolling 600K miles last year. Of those 16, 4 each shift, due to training/illness/other necessary leave, the 4 are very often reduced to 3 or less. He currently has no person responsible for training planning or for internal investigations. He promotes 40 hours minimum training a year and is going to do two more deputies focusing on training. He also noted the need to update and review the departments policies, and in particular to review all undue force reports, for example he noted if there were a preponderance of handcuffs unnecessarily hurting individuals. He could then change the way the handcuffs are being used. Sheriff Purvis is asking in the next budget cycle for two additional staff, estimated cost $160K for salaries and benefits. He also noted to offset some of that cost he will absorb the potential purchase of vehicles if necessary. The CE Graham Stowe said this would be showing in the next financial meeting, included in the POP requirements. Sheriff Purvis commented that once an individual sits in a car with deputies, the impact on their future actions is influenced by that situation. If something criminal happens within the jail, Sheriff Purvis noted it is referred to the DA for investigation. Commissioner Gayle Jones asked if there would be any promotion inside, and Sheriff Purvis said he did have some. Commissioner Rose Brown asked about retention and the Sheriff said that the use of a $50 bonus for every year served was helpful, especially when officers are topped out in pay. He mentioned that for himself, nearing retirement several years in the future, that he would like to keep his health insurance when retired. Commissioner Joseph Sutton asked about vehicles for new employees and the Sheriff said he plans to work with what they have. The Chair noted how training officers is a help in reducing law suits. The Sheriff noted he would have good instructors and they could host classes to bring some revenue to the county. Sheriff Purvis also mentioned working with CTAS about a work release program, vetting those inmates as non-violent and near a release date. He mentioned Magotteaux Corporation, where the inmates would return in the evening and would be wearing ankle monitors. Commissioner Terry Jones asked would ankle monitors be needed if the inmates are vetted as trust worthy. Sheriff Purvis said they are required, cost $5 a day, and the inmates would pay for it from their earnings. Also, from those earnings the Sheriff’s department would get a percentage of the salary, they must pay child support and court debts and the balance is placed in account for their use after release. Sheriff Purvis is also pursuing a grant to provide a full-time social worker at the jail to help with job placement for instance. Commissioner David Adams asked about misdemeanors and Sheriff Purvis said if they enter into the program, you could make them pay.
Old Business – Actual data from the use of the body cams was shown. Their usage includes turning on 30 seconds before the officer pushes the button, gives multiple views and if in vicinity other officers’ body cams also come on. The Chair noted how this data sometimes helps the court process cases quicker. Graphic examples of someone on drugs and another example of someone within the jail were shown and demonstrated the value of the body cams in protecting both the officers and the public in cases where disputes over actual happenings can be contested. No new Business.
A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Gayle Jones, seconded by Commissioner Tim Risner, and was approved unanimously.
ATTENDEES: Members of the committee – Chair Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, Commissioners David Wamble, Shelly Goolsby, Joyce Woodard, Gayle Jones, Rose Brown, Tim Risner Other Commissioners attending –Judy Pruett, David Adams, Roger Reedy, Tracy Wilburn, James Lathrop, Carman Brown, Terry Jones, Caleb Savage, Annelle Guthrie, Joseph Sutton, Matt Rubelsky, Evan Baddour, Brad Butler Other attending –County Executive Graham Stowe, Sheriff Joseph Purvis, Chief Deputy Michael Woodard, Teresa Maddox, Director EMS Bill Myers and Josh Young, and members of the public
