Juvenile detention reports 19 intakes in May; sheriff cites 21% increase in calls for service

Director Tinsley delivered the juvenile detention center’s monthly report to the County Services Committee, reporting 19 intakes in May, an average length of stay of approximately 44.24 days and an average daily population near 12.5.

Tinsley said the most common intake offenses were aggravated assault on a family or household member (felony), and noted transports for residents were performed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County JDC. Committee members asked about the possibility of housing juveniles in Madison County’s new jail; Tinsley said juvenile facilities must maintain sight‑and‑sound separation from adults under state juvenile standards and that Madison County’s facility is configured for adults.

Chief Deputy Tabor delivered the sheriff’s report and told the committee calls for service in the reporting period rose about 21% compared with the same period last year. In response to a committee question, Tabor reported 99 people were sleeping on the floor the prior night; he also reported zero positive COVID tests among those in custody and gave a morning count of 102 women in the jail. On staffing, Tabor said enforcement had about four open positions and detention staffing was around the 30‑person level; the office hired several deputies but also listed recent attrition.

Committee members asked about transport support during recent storms; Tabor said the sheriff’s office provided transport assistance but did not report substantial overtime for those emergency events. Regarding restrictive bookings, Tabor said the jail continues some restrictive bookings and that the number fluctuates by day; he reported eight restrictive bookings in the morning of the report and two by that afternoon.

The reports were informational and drew committee questions; no committee vote was requested.