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Sheriff's office reports spike in calls, jail heating failure and staffing/training upgrades
Summary
Henry County law‑enforcement representatives reported a surge in calls and arrests over the year, detailed staffing and fleet updates, described a south‑side jail heating failure that necessitated moving inmates to nearby counties for three days, and outlined training and equipment investments.
Representatives from Henry County law‑enforcement provided commissioners with an end‑of‑year summary that highlighted a busy call volume, staffing improvements and infrastructure challenges.
The presentation summarized the department’s workload: thousands of reports and calls-for-service over the year, dozens of arrests and numerous traffic stops tied in part to a MoDOT‑funded enforcement program. The presenter noted moves to replace some high‑maintenance patrol vehicles and described investments that included tactical equipment, ballistic vests, tourniquets and expanded training opportunities.
On facility operations, county jail staff reported a mid‑December complete failure of the south‑side heating system serving housing units D–G during single‑digit nighttime temperatures. Staff said they moved 21 inmates to neighboring counties over roughly three days while repairs were completed and accounted for property and medication transfers. "We were forced to return all of our Saint Clair County and Black County inmates for about 3 days," the jail representative said, describing coordinated help from surrounding counties to ensure inmate safety and continuity of care.
The jail presentation also noted improvements made in 2025, including kiosk and canteen upgrades to improve inmate communication, expanded less‑lethal options such as taser cuffs and pepperball, and increased training hours for staff. Investigations staff separately reported higher volumes of supplemental reports and a commitment to improved case tracking and subpoena processes in 2026.
Commissioners thanked staff for quick coordination with neighboring counties during the heating failure and requested continued reporting on facility maintenance needs and budget implications for repairs and staffing.
