Corrections director reports rising admissions and staffing steps at Sarpy County facility

Joe Martin, director of corrections, briefed the Board of Corrections on June 2, reporting a rise in admissions and urging attention to staffing to match a growing population.

Martin said the facility currently has an average daily population (ADP) of 244 inmates and an average length of stay of 21 days. He told the board that ADP was 154 in 2023 and increased to 256 in 2025, and that year‑to‑date admissions are up 22% compared with 2025. Martin said the jail is using more of its 150,489 square feet of capacity as staffing levels from the facility opening in 2023 are being increased.

On staffing, Martin said interviews were completed for a class starting in July, another class is planned for the fall, and sergeant promotional testing is scheduled. He said the facility completed its annual U.S. Marshals inspection in May and expects an ICE inspection at the end of June. He also noted a dentist contract will be on an upcoming agenda for board approval.

Commissioners asked about psychiatric fellowship recruitment, a pending staffing study, and trends in pretrial release and house arrest. On the federal population question, board members and staff said the federal population accounts for a sizeable portion of beds; Martin and others said they currently have 14 ICE‑related inmates and discussed federal bed counts during the meeting.

The Board of Corrections approved the minutes from its April 28 meeting and adjourned after the director’s report.