Knox County Jail Administrator James Crawford told the Board of Commissioners during its May 28 meeting that installation of a jail security retrofit project should be completed next week.
Crawford said, "We're going to have a lot of exchanges and how we operate for security purposes, because they're going to be taking certain systems down. So we're going to be using some brass keys in the interim, and it's bringing back a lot of memories," according to a video recording of the meeting. He also said the new security system should enable easier access to video stored for use as evidence. Crawford noted that the jail will need full staffing when contractors are working in the building, which will cause overtime, but he said it is worth it. Answering questions from Commissioner Barry Lester, Crawford confirmed that jail employees can be civilians who must complete the state's basic jail academy, which he described as difficult. They also need to learn self-defense and minimum jail standards. Civilians can pursue sworn certified deputy positions if they accumulate enough leave time to attend the basic police officers academy. Some applicants have already gained certification and may move from corrections after three to five years.
According to minutes from its Aug. 14, 2025 meeting, the board approved a $156,000 bid from Security Automated Systems for the jail security system upgrades.
Sheriff Daniel Weckesser said his department runs into difficulties in hiring because of the pay scale. He said they struggle to have enough patrol deputies because other agencies are paying a good bit more. Several people have applied, and two applicants will start on Aug. 24. They will pay for the basic police officers academy themselves and will be paid as civilian employees until they complete the academy in December and get their state certification. Weckesser said the Sheriff's Office is short three patrol officers, according to a video recording of the meeting.
