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Sheriff wins federal grant for badge printer and accepts state-funded part-time bailiff; one commissioner votes no on bracelet program
Summary
The sheriff's office secured a JAG reimbursement grant to replace an ID badge printer and accepted state funding for a part-time bailiff to manage ankle-bracelet equipment; one commissioner said she would vote no on the bracelet program due to safety concerns.
Craven County's sheriff briefed commissioners on two public-safety items on Feb. 17: a federal Justice Assistance Grant to purchase an ID badge printer and a state-funded part-time bailiff position to assist with an ankle-bracelet monitoring program.
Captain Scott said the JAG award would fund a modern ID badge printer and related software to replace an outdated system and improve officer credentialing. "Our current badge printing system falls short suffering from inefficiencies," Captain Scott said. The board approved the JAG-related budget amendment by voice and subsequent roll call.
The sheriff also asked the board to accept state funding that will pay for a part-time bailiff position to coordinate with the judiciary, district attorney, public defender and victims' services on an ankle-monitoring program. The state will provide bracelets and monitoring at no cost to the county; the sheriff said the county's role would be to fit devices when ordered by the court. The state initially allotted $30,000 for the position and equipment; the sheriff requested acceptance of $15,000 to cover the remainder of the current fiscal year and noted the program is expected to recur with $30,000 budgeted for the next year.
Commissioner Mitchell said she would vote no on the bracelet program, expressing concern that placing domestic-violence perpetrators on bracelets does not offer sufficient protection for victims and that monitoring is handled at the state level. The sheriff and other commissioners responded that the program provides an additional tool for cases where judges order monitoring and that the state notifies local authorities when violations occur.
On roll-call the motion to accept funding for the bailiff/bracelet program passed with one no vote from Commissioner Mitchell; the JAG printer purchase was approved. Commissioners asked the sheriff to ensure monitoring and notification procedures are clearly documented.
