Wayne County Sheriff's Office enhances jail release protocols for treatment referrals

Wayne County officials are taking significant steps to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of their administrative jail release process following a recent audit. During the Wayne County Commission's regular meeting on May 8, 2025, Director of Administration Vanita Terry reported on the implementation of corrective measures aimed at addressing deficiencies identified in the audit.

The audit revealed that a substantial number of administrative jail releases (AGRs) lacked critical information regarding participants' mental health and substance use disorders. Specifically, 71% of the sampled releases did not indicate whether the individuals had such disorders, which are essential for their acceptance into treatment programs. Additionally, 86% of the releases contained errors, such as unclear signatures or incorrect documentation.

In response, the Sheriff's Office has developed a standardized sign-in sheet and a detailed spreadsheet for reporting invoices, ensuring that all necessary information is captured before participants are referred to treatment facilities. Management has agreed to implement a review process to rectify any missing or incorrect information prior to release.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of clear communication with inmates regarding their responsibilities upon release. Inmates must acknowledge their understanding of the conditions tied to their release, including the potential for reincarceration if they fail to complete their treatment programs.

Moving forward, the population manager will oversee this process, conducting daily and weekly audits to prevent future errors. These measures are expected to streamline the administrative release process and improve outcomes for individuals transitioning from incarceration to treatment.

The commission's commitment to addressing these issues reflects a proactive approach to enhancing public safety and supporting individuals with mental health and substance use challenges in Wayne County.