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Sheriff reports retirements, K‑9 updates, body‑worn camera test and uniform trials
Summary
The sheriff briefed commissioners on a K‑9 retirement and replacements, a 60‑day body‑worn camera evaluation, uniform and outer‑carrier vest wear testing, promotion interviews and jail population figures.
The St. Francois County sheriff updated commissioners on staffing, equipment trials and the jail population.
The sheriff announced the retirement of Deputy Dennis Stevens and the retirement from service of K‑9 Theo, who had served about eight years. The department is bringing new dogs into service: a 2‑year‑old German shepherd named Onyx (assigned as the new partner for Deputy Jeremy Bowles) and a 4‑year‑old Belgian Malinois, Defender, to be handled by Deputy Andrew Gray. The sheriff said retired K‑9s remain with their handlers.
The department began a 60‑day testing and evaluation period for body‑worn cameras, with three cameras currently in service as part of the evaluation. Sheriff’s staff said the camera trial is not currently budgeted but is intended to inform next year’s budget by identifying preferred vendors.
The sheriff also reported a uniform wear test, including outer vest carriers designed to move weight off deputies’ hips; the department has two carriers in use and is testing new shirt materials and cuts. The department is evaluating fit and vendor options; the sheriff said current procurements are local when available and some items may be grant-funded.
Personnel and operations: promotion interviews for corporal began with nine applicants; the sheriff said the department hopes to name a corporal by May 1. The inmate population was reported at 140 (about 120 males and 20 females) in a facility with 94 beds of stated sleeping space, and calls for service stood at 6,294 for the year to date.
Why it matters: The updates touch multiple public‑safety operations — K‑9 coverage, body‑worn cameras, uniform and equipment trials and jail capacity — and will shape equipment and budget decisions for the coming year.
