Lt. James Ferenbaugh of the Knox County Sheriff's Office told the Board of Commissioners during an April 30 meeting that he'd like to have seven deputies per shift in the long term, but understands that it's a money issue.
The discussion comes as the department evaluates staffing needs and operational demands. Ferenbaugh said that increasing the number of deputies per shift would help supervisors oversee their teams more effectively and ensure city residents receive quality service, according to a video recording of the meeting by the Knox County Board of Commissioners.
"Four to midnight, as I'm sure you guys know, run call to call. They don't have any downtime, and that they're so busy that their supervisor is just one of the guys," Ferenbaugh, the Sheriff's Office Patrol Division commander, said. He added that ideally supervisors will oversee their shift to make sure city residents get the best quality service that they can offer. He said the Patrol Division has 26 uniform deputies including special response teams and village units, according to a video recording of the meeting by Knox County Board of Commissioners.
Sheriff Daniel Weckesser also provided updates on personnel and assignments. According to the video recording by Knox County Board of Commissioners, Weckesser said two deputies from the afternoon shift are in canine training with new partners and are expected to be fully trained and certified by mid-May. Ferenbaugh noted two new people are in field training officer process and should be ready for duty in 10 to 12 weeks; both have prior experience.
Weckesser outlined additional responsibilities handled by his office, including security at the Knox County Fair with overnight units due to past issues with unauthorized entry attempts. During fair hours, five to seven officers work depending on crowd size and events. Other duties include security at a labor training center overnight five days per week, coverage at football and basketball games, and two full-time courthouse deputies. Officers sign up for these details which are paid by respective boards or organizations, according to a video recording by Knox County Board of Commissioners.
Inmate management was also discussed during the meeting. In the video recording by Knox County Board of Commissioners, Weckesser said there were 98 inmates—14 female—with 15 housed outside Knox County. The sheriff hopes all inmates can return once space allows after ongoing security work is completed at an evidence building.
