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Polk County sheriff reports 2,592 calls in August; medical care at jail shifted to hospitals
Summary
Sheriff's office reported August activity including 2,592 calls, increased transports after local medical provider stopped jail services, five DUI arrests and ongoing fraud calls; the office warned residents about scams and provided a nonemergency number.
Polk County Sheriff's Office reported 2,592 total calls in August, including 789 emergency calls and 1,803 nonemergency calls, the sheriff told commissioners during the meeting.
The office recorded 83 civil services, total paid services of $4,334 and 1,411 noncharged services. Transports during August accounted for approximately 5,067 miles and about 167.5 deputy hours, officials said.
The sheriff reported the county no longer receives medical services at the jail from the previously contracted provider; deputies now transport inmates to hospitals for initial medical evaluation and medication. The change began a few weeks earlier and the sheriff said this will likely increase mileage for transports in September.
Operational statistics for August included five DUI arrests, four drug-related cases and nine fraud calls. The sheriff urged residents to be cautious about frauds and scams, noting that many reports arrive via text and phone calls and advising people to verify suspicious contacts before sending money.
Animal complaints were notable in August: the office logged 21 animal complaints, mostly dogs running at large, and some livestock calls. The sheriff said many of these calls originate in smaller communities without local police departments.
The sheriff also noted increased school patrols for September and said staffing and training are underway, with several new hires in training.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about medical services and citation categories; the sheriff answered that federal and ICE inmates are processed per federal rules and that jail transports now include trips to hospitals for medical intake.
No formal action accompanied the report.
