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Prince George sheriff asks board for 2.5 deputies as court workload and extraditions rise
Summary
Sheriff told the Board of Supervisors the department’s civil‑process and court transport workload has surged and requested 2.5 new positions—two deputies plus a half‑time accreditation manager—citing rising extraditions and long multi‑court days that strain staff and safety.
Sheriff told the Prince George County Board of Supervisors during the FY2027 work session that rising court activity and extraditions have stretched the department and staff resources. "I want to start off first of all with the workload and I’m asking for 2 and a half deputies," the sheriff said, laying out figures showing each deputy serves roughly 4,400 papers a year and noting recent increases in extraditions (22 last year, up from 18 previously).
The request explains the "half" position as a permanent, part‑time role to manage ongoing accreditation work the sheriff says requires continuous effort every four years. The sheriff said multi‑court weeks have required pulling deputies off other duties, lengthened workdays and increased safety risk for deputies serving evictions and civil process, and argued rotating court and service duties would reduce burnout.
Board members asked about state‑funded deputy positions and grant options. The sheriff said comp board funded positions have been difficult to secure and that the department has sought state funding in the past without consistent success; he also said the department would pursue grant writing assistance and training to identify outside funding. Finance staff cautioned that comp board revenue estimates typically arrive in May and depend on state pay proposals.
The presentation included operational detail: deputies can work long court days (the sheriff cited days ending near 7:30–8:00 p.m.), transport runs to regional jails often take several hours, and retired personnel have been pressed into service during heavy court calendars. The sheriff framed the request as a combination of officer safety, meeting statutory duties for transports and extraditions, and avoiding overtime pressure.
The board followed with questions about whether short‑term grants or SRO‑type funding could be adapted for the need and about the comp board’s funding standards; county staff said they will provide follow‑up on comp board estimates and grant opportunities. The board did not take a vote on the staffing request at the work session; procedural actions—public comment or a formal appropriation—would be required before hires occur.
