By Bill Winchester
Enid News and Eagle
— The first month of 2010 was overall a good one for the sheriff’s office. Training for jailers was a priority, along with getting ready for the next Department of Justice visit.
Overall staffing issues have eased since jobs are hard to find, and everyone staying put. The jail staff booked 248 males and 105 females and the average daily inmate population was 230. The jail population has continually increased over the past year.
Deputies made 46 arrests, wrote 305 warnings and 78 citations. Deputies made seven DUI arrests and four other alcohol related arrests, along with 13 drug related arrests.
Deputies took 3,772 calls for service in January and filed 24 affidavits for new charges with the District Attorney’s Office.
Deputies worked to serve 79 civil papers and court orders along with 290 criminal papers and 25 emergency protective orders. and take an average of 10 inmates to court from the jail each day serving five judges.
Deputies also keep busy with medical transports, picking up inmates who get arrested in other counties, bringing inmates to and from prison on writs for other court cases civil and criminal.
They also transport juveniles to facilities across the state, to and from court appearances and relocation, take juveniles to the emergency room and for medical appointments.
Deputies rotated out this month doing extra duty for inmates who had to have 24-hour security while they were in the hospital for several weeks.
Reserve deputies, for no pay, are willing to put in lots of hours helping fill-in for patrol and other needed functions. They need a pat on the back, so if you know one please tell them thanks.
I want to thank the schools and the teachers for giving up time to allow my deputies to teach DARE to their students. It makes a difference!
Trailer thefts throughout NW Oklahoma are on the increase. Owners need to record serial numbers or apply their own number and take photographs of their trailers.
Looking forward to the challenges coming up this year in improving services as budget allows to make your Sheriff’s Office better. Thanks for your support!
Winchester is Garfield County sheriff.
