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Barron County sheriff briefs board on housing and supervision of '9 80' subjects; says state controls placement
Summary
Sheriff told the Barron County Board that the county and sheriff's office do not control placement of '9 80' subjects, that they cannot be housed in the county jail, and that the state supervises them; supervisors asked for an emailed summary to share with constituents.
Sheriff Chris addressed the Barron County Board of Supervisors during the meeting's special matters section to provide factual information about what the sheriff described repeatedly as "9 80" subjects and the sheriff department's role.
The sheriff said the county and the sheriff's office do not decide where those individuals are placed and that the state of Wisconsin controls placement and supervision. He said the county previously used available equipment (security cameras) at no cost to taxpayers to monitor certain locations for investigative, safety and security purposes. He told supervisors that such people cannot be housed in the county jail because they are not in custody and that housing them outside the jail had been considered but was not feasible in at least one instance because of nearby daycare and school facilities.
When a supervisor asked what happens when the current one-year period ends, the sheriff said the state makes those decisions. He said that over time such individuals can earn more freedoms, and that if they apply for work within the year they must be supervised while at work and the county is alerted of changes for reference only. The sheriff emphasized he had received legal advice that deputies were not acting illegally in providing off-duty freedoms and that the county could not restrict employees' off-duty activities in this context.
Supervisors who asked questions included Patty Anderson and Supervisor Hansen; Anderson asked the sheriff to email his remarks to the county board so she could share them with constituents. Hansen reported that a nearby residence housing parolees had frequent police contact and that the supervisor had no concerns about problems since the placement began. The sheriff said the department had experienced no issues with the individuals referenced and that the department continues to offer mutual aid and training support to local police departments at no charge.
The sheriff concluded by encouraging board members to reach out with further questions and agreed to email the written summary of his remarks to board members.
