Sheriff outlines facility, evidence storage and equipment needs; says pretrial program saved jail costs

Surry County Sheriff Steve Hyatt and Chief Deputy Larry Lowe presented facility and operational needs for the sheriff’s office and county jail at the commissioners’ March 2025 budget session, emphasizing consolidation, evidence storage HVAC upgrades, replacement patrol vehicles and modern in‑car cameras.

Hyatt and Lowe told the board the sheriff’s office currently occupies much of the judicial center lower level and several other spaces across the complex and the old jail, and said nearly every available small office is being used. Lowe described evidence storage split across multiple small rooms with HVAC and condensation problems that have caused damage to evidence. He said the sheriff’s office seeks secured, climate‑controlled evidence storage and improved ventilation at multiple sites.

On equipment, the sheriff’s presentation requested six 2025 Dodge Durango pursuit vehicles, funding for a replacement K-9 package, an upgrade for up to 48 in‑car camera systems (the county’s aging L3 system is no longer supported by the vendor) and a transport van for the detention center (upfitted cost $87,800). Deputies reported the existing L3 in‑car system will no longer download video after vendor support ended Feb. 28, 2025; the proposed Motorola replacement was quoted at $472,240 for 48 mobile systems with a 5‑year implementation and service package in the quote presented.

Hyatt and Lowe also reviewed staffing and facility consolidation goals. Lowe said the end goal is “for the sheriff’s office to be under 1 roof,” arguing that would increase efficiency. He estimated the sheriff’s office currently uses roughly 20,000–23,000 square feet and would not expect to need substantially less if relocated, though he cautioned design matters. Lowe said evidence humidity issues had led to some evidence replacement and that multiple storage rooms and plumbing fixtures in older sections were complicating maintenance.

On operations and outcomes, Chief Deputy Justin (presenter name recorded as Justin Starwalks) reported the county’s pretrial release program has saved an estimated $199,035 since July 2024 by avoiding detention costs. Commissioners asked about sheriff cooperation with immigration enforcement after a question about a recent state law; Sheriff Hyatt said Surry County has “always complied with ICE” and that the office checks detainee holds and notifies ICE when a hold exists, citing about 52 ICE pickups last year as a recent figure the sheriff said he could confirm.

Commissioners asked about the lifecycle and costs for new camera systems and recurring cloud/service fees. Sheriff’s staff said the $472,240 estimate covers 48 mobile systems and five years of service under the vendor quote and that Motorola’s package includes updates and cloud service for the 5‑year period. The sheriff also requested modest increases in part‑time salaries for courthouse security and noted increased costs across vehicle maintenance, uniforms, jail medical and food tied to a larger jail population.

Sheriff staff offered handouts and invited commissioners to inspect facilities and said they will provide more detailed square‑footage calculations if the board requests them.