Summer flew by and fall is upon us and with fall comes our 3rd quarter reports. We have been busy this summer, here's a short recap and our stats are posted below.

DETENTION CENTER

Although Sonja McCuen took the reigns of the detention center as Administrator in June (2nd quarter), many of the changes that were started prior to her arriving, were completed under her supervision. It has been a heavy task but she has taken on the job with gusto and is doing a great job. We are proud to have her in this position.

Administrator McCuen and most of the jailers have graduated from Jail Standards School, a 40-hour course, and they have all obtained CPR certification. Many of the jailers have received an OC Pepper Spray Certification. This non-lethal weapon assists deputies and jailers in bringing disorderly subjects into compliance. In order to receive this certification, the trainee must be sprayed with the pepper spray so they know exactly what an individual will experience and the use of pepper spray is not taken lightly.

Detention Officers Nick McKittrick and Abbie Yarbrough were promoted to Sergeant. They, along with Detention Officer Shelby Reed attended a Prison Rape Elimination Act training, which will enable them to be aware of and respond to any inappropriate sexual acts or allegations in the jail.

Sheriff Stephens and the administrative staff of the jail toured a favorably recognized detention center in South Arkansas and implemented some of their procedures in our facility, including a classification system supported by the courts. The classification system will enable minimum security inmates to receive additional services.

911 - DISPATCH

This last quarter there have been many exciting things happening in dispatch.

In July, we upgraded our 911 system to VIPER by Intrado. The Viper suite provides the foundation for i3-compliant Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1). Additionally, Viper features empower agents with purpose-built tools designed to streamline 911 call handling operations.

July 22, 2019, we passed our Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) Audit with flying colors. The purpose of the audit it to help departments identify problems and improve their record systems, not to impose criticism or penalties. The field agent who conducted the audit found accurate and complete records in all files and that we are adhering to all ACIC policies and procedures.

We have installed new door keypad locks and cameras for added security. We have implemented the use of RapidSOS Clearinghouse which is a Location Information Server (LIS) for faster, more accurate device location for smartphones. We are using this in addition to the 911 map to get a caller's location. 

At the end of September, Sierra Garcia was appointed by the Quorum Court as the new 911 Director.  

PATROL - CID

In the last quarter, we hired four patrol deputies to fill vacant positions. That left us with two vacancies. One of the individuals that we hired left our employment; so, this absence left us with three open patrol deputy positions at the end of the quarter, which we are still actively recruiting for at this time.

We have also been actively recruiting for a Criminal Investigator position and we received grant funding for a Special Victims Investigator position. Both of those positions are still open and we are actively recruiting and accepting applications for these as well.

One of the most exciting events to happen during this last quarter was the graduation of Deputy Nancy Patton from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. This was a 13-week intensive training that now designates Deputy Patton as a Certified Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Arkansas. Cadets train 10 hours a day and cover topics such as (but not limited to) Ethics, Law, Patrol Procedures, Traffic Enforcement, Investigations, Firearms, and Physical Fitness. Twenty-four cadets began their certification and twenty-two graduated, so it's not for everyone. We are very proud of Deputy Patton!


Sheriff Stephens & Deputy Patton


Click links below for department stats

911 - Dispatch
Admin
Auxiliary
Detention Center
CID
Court - Transport
Narcotics
Patrol