Expansion Ongoing At Sheriff’s Office
As a law enforcement officer, no two days are alike and you never know what to expect. This year has been especially unpredictable for the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office though.
The Sheriff’s Office and Jail have been under renovation since late last year. When complete, the remodel and expansion will double the facility’s square-footage and update the building for the first time since its construction more than two decades ago.
For months, 19 deputies worked elbow to elbow, sharing space with the Pineville Marshall’s Office and the Emergency Management Agency while their office space was under construction.
MCSO also employs 10 jailers, but Sheriff Mike Hall hopes to see that number increase after construction ceases.
A new exercise yard will be added to the jail and capacity will increase from 32 beds to 64.
Hall says the jail averages 40 to 50 inmates per month, most of which are charged with drug- or theft-related crimes. Those that do not have beds are provided a cot in a common room.
The Sheriff’s Office recently applied for a number of federal grants. Deputy Chris Allison said these funds would be used to purchase new ballistics vests, tactical vests, helmets, and microphones for the Special Response Team.
Hall said extra staffing during the summer months, when the call volume is the highest, would have the biggest benefit on operations. He said he hopes to allocate money for additional seasonal coverage in future budgets.