Sheriff's office reports positive jail inspection, staffing updates; council approves personnel appropriation

Monroe County jail officials reported favorable results from a state jail inspection and provided a staffing and facilities update at the April 9 council meeting.

Jail Commander Joe Commander said the county’s jail was judged ‘‘one of the cleanest in the state’’ by the inspector and attributed improvements to staff and inmate workers. Commander provided population numbers (214 total inmates, 184 secure beds; 173 with felony charges) and noted recent bookings and releases over the prior two days.

The jail also reviewed structural and security findings from the inspection: inspectors cited elevator issues, lock security concerns, and missing cameras in some areas; officials said a recurring roof leak persists and will require attention. Commander said the facility remains operational but identified structural items to watch and to address over time.

Regarding staffing, leadership described active hiring: a selection process for six transition-office positions with 15 interviews conducted and plans to present hires to council in coming months. County correctional officials and councilors emphasized the importance of recruiting certified deputies and discussed how prior law-enforcement experience affects readiness and training time.

Separately, the council approved a personnel appropriation of $402,570 to hire six correctional officers and create the associated positions; the motion passed by roll call.

Councilors asked for ongoing updates on structural repairs and staffing progress as the county transitions some operations to a Showers Building office and pursues longer-term facilities plans.