Scott County Fiscal Court approves hiring three provisional deputies to fill patrol vacancies

Sheriff Jeremy Nettles told the Scott County Fiscal Court in January 2026 that the sheriff’s office needs to hire three provisional, non‑certified deputies to fill three current patrol openings and to prepare for two anticipated departures later in the year. "I'm coming to you guys with the need and and want to hire 3 provisional deputies," Nettles said, outlining the multi‑step hiring process that includes background checks, physical and psychological testing, polygraph and drug screening, and a 20‑week academy followed by 12 weeks of field training.

Nettles said the office currently has three open FTE patrol positions and expects the hiring and training pipeline to take roughly 12 months from initial hire to an officer operating independently on patrol. He told the court his command staff has reviewed more than 220 applicants and plans to screen a pool for testing and physical‑fitness evaluation before conducting background checks and interviews.

Magistrates asked about costs and overtime: county officials said vacancies are being covered with unscheduled overtime, and Captain Benson noted 220 shifts lacked full coverage in the past six months. Nettles also described a three‑year reimbursement arrangement that obligates the hiring agency—rather than individual employees—to reimburse training costs if a deputy leaves for another law‑enforcement agency within three years of academy completion.

Rob Jones moved to approve hiring three provisional deputies and Dwayne Ellison seconded. The court approved the motion by voice vote ('Aye'). The court chair noted the hires will affect salary‑cap numbers and asked staff to reflect the change in next budget materials.