Sheriff reports jail population and staffing challenges; deputies and dispatch hires in progress

Callahan County’s sheriff reported on jail population and staffing challenges during the commissioners court meeting Feb. 10, saying the county is housing 21 inmates across multiple facilities and is in the process of hiring deputies and dispatchers.

The sheriff told the court the county currently has two males and three females in Callahan County custody; six males in Pullman County; and seven males and three females in Taylor County, for a total of 21 inmates. He said overtime statistics were presented for the Jan. 16–29 pay period.

On staffing, the sheriff said the county has hired two dispatchers and is waiting for a third to pass tests, and that deputies are being hired but completion of psychological and physical clearances is delaying full onboarding. "It's a pretty stressful job, though," the sheriff said of the testing and hiring process, adding that psychological evaluations now often cost about $300 each and that finding providers and appointment availability has been challenging.

Commissioner Farmer moved to accept the sheriff’s report; Commissioner McGowan seconded. The court approved the report unanimously.