Sheriff David Shaffer told the Knox County Board of Commissioners that cruiser purchases were put on hold due to the United Auto Workers strike in a regular update on his department.
"Shaffer said the funds set aside for the current fiscal year can be carried over to next year", according to minutes from the Knox County Commissioners Nov. 2 meeting.
"A shipping delay will cause the portable morgue to be delivered in late December", he said, according to minutes from the same meeting.
"In light of resistance from Knox Community Hospital, the Sheriff's Office will follow up with other counties to determine what their policies and procedures are in handling body cavity searches", said the minutes from the Knox County Commissioners Nov. 2 meeting. "Body cavity searches require a warrant," Shaffer added.
A new patrol deputy was scheduled to start work on Nov. 13, as noted by Shaffer during the Nov. 2 meeting. He also mentioned that one deputy who is in training would be released within two weeks, and that "two interviews are scheduled as the department seeks to fill four vacant patrol positions." He further stated that more vacancies were anticipated with possible retirements coming up in 2024.
