During the New Kent County Board of Supervisors Work Session on September 29, 2025, Sheriff’s Office staffing needs took center stage as Sheriff highlighted critical requests to address increasing demands on law enforcement resources. The Sheriff presented a detailed staffing plan aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and public safety amid rising calls for service and traffic-related issues.

The Sheriff emphasized the financial benefits of the county's current jail arrangement with Pamunkey, which has saved approximately $826,579 annually compared to Henrico's rates. However, this cost-saving measure has resulted in logistical challenges, including longer transport times for inmates, which have increased from 6.5 miles to 35 miles to the Hanover County Courthouse. This shift has strained the department's resources, particularly as the Sheriff noted a minimum staffing level of three deputies per shift is insufficient to meet the county's needs.

To address these challenges, the Sheriff proposed hiring two part-time deputies for court and civil process duties, which would cost just under $106,000. This addition aims to alleviate the burden on current staff, who are stretched thin due to increased court activity and the need for deputies to manage multiple court sessions simultaneously.

Another significant request involved the establishment of a six-member traffic unit to tackle escalating traffic violations, particularly on Route 211. The Sheriff reported over 48,000 violations captured since the implementation of photo speed enforcement, with an average of 11,000 violations per week. The proposed traffic unit would cost approximately $1.3 million, with funding suggested to come from the revenue generated by the photo enforcement program.

The Sheriff also highlighted a recent shift in responsibilities, as the Sheriff's Office is now tasked with handling single-vehicle non-injury crashes, a duty previously managed by the state police. This change has further strained resources, as deputies are now required to respond to more incidents without the support of state troopers, who are also facing staffing shortages.

As of the meeting, the Sheriff's Office had responded to over 37,200 calls this year, with projections indicating a total of nearly 47,000 calls by year-end. The Sheriff underscored the urgent need for additional staffing and resources to ensure public safety and effective law enforcement in New Kent County.

The discussions during this work session reflect a growing concern about the capacity of local law enforcement to manage increasing demands, highlighting the need for strategic planning and resource allocation to maintain community safety. The Board of Supervisors will need to consider these requests carefully as they plan for the county's future law enforcement needs.