The message remains mixed in keeping Del Norte safe; less than attractive introductory wages continue to vex rural law enforcement in California. that’s the message from Del Norte Sheriff Garrett Scott.Here’s the encouraging news:Since early 2022, the Jail has been operating with limited inmate intake. Due to limited staffing and funding, incarceration of those who’ve either committed felonies or been charged and await trial, have been restricted. One any given day, some 45-50 inmates populate the jail.#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');Two months back, the Sheriff and County Building and Maintenance met to discuss how an older, unused part of the Jail could be put back into use. The Sheriff lamented the lack of funding was problematic. Sheriff Garrett Scott Courtesy Photo Building Dept. used its staff and sandblaster equipment and began to address the challenge. Sheriff Scott acquired fresh paint and purchased new bunks and voila! Some 20 more bunk beds were similarly acquired. The jail can now detain up to 100 but to date, 15-16 additional inmates will be detained.“Corrections recruitment has been challenging but we’re doing everything possible to increase inmate population,” states the Sheriff. He continues, “ the help and assistance from County Building has been invaluable. These latest improvements in public safety are separate and distinct from the anticipated $3.08 million federal grant for jail improvements.The County is process of a final design for the allocation of this funding. No date has been announced for the New design plans for the Del Norte County jail.Here’s the not so encouraging news on patrol, corrections, bailiff and dispatch staff recruitment:Openings in all DNSD divisions remain open. Currently. Three recruits are in the 26 week Academy program. Upon graduation, those deputies will undergo 13 weeks of field training, before they are on The Sheriff asks for the public’s patience on filling vacancies. “ The process is painfully slow,” says the Sheriff.Money remains a key issue in recruitment, according to the Sheriff. The effects of Prop. 47 (reduction of felonies to misdemeanors), Prop.57 ( early incentive release of CDCR inmates and AB109 transferring of state law enforcement to local jurisdictions) have had their effects in hiring and retaining staff. Del Norte has received $1.4 million of AB109 funding and will be directed to new booking and visiting areas scheduled to built by year ‘s end.The Triplicate asked Sheriff Scott to share his vision in addressing recruitment and staff retention. Scott shared, “… the Department’s success is based on having full or near full staffing. Currently, patrol vehicles are limited by staffing deficiencies. Upon realizing this goal, the DNSD can address morale equipment and financial support.”Sheriff Scott is committed to working with younger local recruits who wish to continue to live in Del Norte County where these aspirants can pursue their law enforcement careers and enjoy the support of their families as they work to serve the public.Sheriff Scott will continue to use Facebook and other social media in reaching out to young Del Norters. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });