Lafayette County Sheriff Discusses Growth Challenges at Chamber Event
This past Friday in Lafayette County, Sheriff Joey East took center stage at the monthly Coffee and Conversation meeting hosted by the Oxford & Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce. With a friendly demeanor, he shared the rising challenges that come with the rapid growth of the county.
As Sheriff East highlighted during the meeting, “One of the biggest concerns we have, aside from crime, is growth.” It’s no surprise that Lafayette County is bustling with activity. With roughly 58,000 residents now calling the area home, the sheriff’s office is working tirelessly to keep pace with the evolving needs of the community.
Emergency Services Under Pressure
One area the sheriff’s office has made significant strides in is dispatch services. When Sheriff East first took on his role five years ago, the county operated with just two dispatchers. Now, there are three dedicated dispatchers managing the influx of emergency calls. On average, they handle an impressive 30,000 emergency calls annually, coordinating all law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire responses across the county – with the exception of the Oxford Police Department, which has its own dispatch system.
In addition to answering emergency calls, the sheriff’s office has crucial responsibilities involving court documentation, including warrants, subpoenas, and indictments. The diligent efforts of the team ensure that they are always prepared to maintain public safety and uphold the law.
Strains at the Detention Center
The Lafayette County Detention Center is feeling the strain of the county’s growth, as it currently houses about 160 inmates, including an average of 90 federal inmates. Sheriff East pointed out that the facility, built in partnership with the U.S. Marshal Service and Department of Justice over three decades ago, is showing its age. “We’ve got doors that won’t lock, plumbing issues, and water leaks. It’s a 30-year-old building with 30-year-old problems,” he reported.
In response, Sheriff East and his team are taking steps to enhance security and expand the facility. A perimeter fence has been added for better protection, and a new commissary building has recently been completed. Plans are in the works to add an additional 20 beds to accommodate the increasing inmate population, as well as improve facilities for female inmates, who are often placed in challenging conditions.
Mental Health Matters
An important focus for the detention center is mental health care. Sheriff East emphasized that providing medical and mental health support is paramount, with regular visits from a psychiatrist and therapists from Communicare. “We ensure that inmates with mental health issues are stable and receive the care they need,” he stated, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of everyone in their care.
Training and Community Presence
Investing in team training has also been a priority. The sheriff’s office has established a training division to ensure officers meet state standards. Additionally, they run a jail academy to train certified jailers, offering this service free of charge to other agencies in the region. This kind of investment in training reflects the sheriff’s commitment to professionalism and excellence in law enforcement.
In a move to enhance community safety, the sheriff’s office has secured funding for a new substation in Harmontown. This facility will provide a much-needed 24-hour law enforcement presence in the area and will also open its doors as a community space.
“We stay busy,” Sheriff East remarked, acknowledging the steady demand for his team’s services due to the ongoing growth of Lafayette County. As the population continues to rise, both challenges and opportunities lie ahead, but the sheriff’s office is eager and prepared to rise to the occasion.
