Hot Spring County Sheriff's Office
The first 40 days have definitely been eventful. We hit the ground hard with search warrants and traffic stops. Our deputies have worked extremely hard considering everything going on with the transition. The jail repairs took a few days longer than I wanted. However, we were able to do more than we originally thought.
After meeting with the state board that regulates the 309 programs, we were approved to get three additional inmates. These were lost last year after multiple problems and an escape. These inmates help cook, clean and do many other tasks, which helps our Jail staff.
We are also making much needed changes within the department and putting in measures that bring more accountability for our employees. Change is never easy and some employees have decided it's not for them. Other employees are very happy with the direction the department is going. This is normal and is needed.
Everything hasn't been perfect. However, I am very proud of our team and didn't expect us to be this much ahead of schedule. Our biggest problem moving forward is definitely jail space. The jail has been open for about three weeks and is already full. This problem must be addressed in the long term, if not our county will be stuck in this rut for a long time.
As for the short term, we are building a more structured department and more organized processes that will help us be more effective in the coming months. We are also bringing in some new technology that is needed.
The amount of information we have received from the public has been enormous! We certainly appreciate the people wanting to help and will need their help to accomplish our goals. We are also partnering with other agencies, including local, state and federal agencies. This will definitely help us going forward.
I am not a very patient person and I want to solve all our problems in one day! I realize this isn't possible, but we are pushing hard to do as much as we can every single day. The support we have received is overwhelming and is truly appreciated! Each and every day our county gets a little bit safer. Thank you for the opportunity you gave us, to clean up our county! Together we will get it done!