From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: Aug 1, 2008

Jail Inspected by Commissioners

On July 28, 2008, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners inspected the Lincoln County Jail. County commissioners are required by law to occasionally inspect the jails located and funded by county revenue within their respective counties. Commissioners Terry Thompson, Don Lindly, and Bill Hall have inspected this county’s jail each year over the past four years.

The inspection was hosted by Sheriff Dennis Dotson and the jail commander, Lieutenant Jamie Russell. The commissioners inspected the central control room where deputies monitor activities throughout the jail and the courthouse. Deputies also control access into and out of the jail from this location. The jail is currently undergoing updates in video recording capabilities for all cameras installed in the jail and courthouse.

The inspection included the booking area where approximately 3,800 people are booked and processed every year for incarceration and release. Commissioners were then escorted through the housing areas of the jail which included minimum security to maximum security areas. Commissioners visited two housing units where there were no physical barriers between inmates and the commissioners.

“In different interviews I've had with those who've been incarcerated in the Lincoln County Jail, I've often heard remarks of appreciation for the courtesy and respect shown to inmates by our Corrections Deputies. After my recent annual tour of the facility in my job as county commissioner, I was able to witness first hand the professionalism and dedication of the Jail staff,” stated Commissioner Thompson.

The commissioners received information about how the jail was able to increase the number of beds without increasing the number of deputies necessary to supervise the additional inmates. The commissioners also heard that for the first time in the jail’s history, there are vacant beds and people have not been released early since the first of May.

Commissioner Hall stated, “Once again, I was pleased to see the commitment on the part of jail leadership and staff to innovative approaches that save the taxpayer money while maintaining or improving overall security. I was also struck once again by the overall excellent condition of the facility, and even more importantly, by the obvious rapport between inmates and staff. It is clear that those incarcerated in the facility are treated with respect, and that respect is usually reciprocated.”

The newly completed video arraignment room was also on display. Inmates are now arraigned via audio/video feed to the court. This process allows the courts to conduct hearings without the inmate being physically transported into the courthouse. The jail kitchen was also inspected where close to 95,000 meals are prepared every year for inmates and juveniles held in the juvenile detention center.

"I was really impressed with the number of changes Lt. Russell and her staff have made in the past year to improve the operation and efficiency of the facility. Some small and others major. Correction Deputies are strongly encouraged to make suggestions and obviously work very well as a team,” stated Commissioner Lindly.

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