JAIL STAFF: Been there, suggest this

In response to the editorial regarding funding of the jail staff, one should consider the fact that if it is predictable it is therefore preventable.

The current staffing crisis at the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office could have been avoided had the County Commissioners (both past and present) performed the job they had been elected to do.

After 15 years of service, I retired as a Senior Detention Deputy in July 2016. Over the course of that 15 years, I conducted multiple jail tours for the county commissioners. It was obvious to me from the onset the commissioners were oblivious to the working conditions within the jail and were unwilling and/or reluctant to understand what was required to recruit, train and retain experienced deputies.

This, despite all their lofty political rhetoric regarding public safety and support for law enforcement. Mandated overtime imposed on the current staff has always been and is currently a convenient short-term solution to a long-term problem. It does not work.

The current Kootenai County Commissioners should approve immediate financial funding/resources to Sheriff Norris to resolve the staffing situation and to protect the citizens of Kootenai County as mandated by statute.

If not, the commissioners should be voted out of office come the next election.

MICHAEL HART

Coeur d’Alene