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Sheriff: pursuits, shots-fired calls and jail population are up; spring impaired-driving campaign underway
Summary
St. Francois County Sheriff reported increased pursuits and shots-fired calls, a rise in weekly calls-for-service and an increase in the jail population; he also described a MoDOT-funded impaired-driving campaign running March 14—April 18.
St. Francois County Sheriff reported elevated public-safety activity during the board meeting, including three pursuits in a 48-hour period (two terminated in another county), several shots-fired calls and assistance to Bismarck on a shooting victim. The Sheriff said one pursuit led to identification of a driver and that formal charges will be sought.
"The safety of the public was a higher priority than apprehending this individual," the Sheriff said, explaining why deputies sometimes terminate motorcycle pursuits when conditions make continued pursuit unsafe. The Sheriff said weekly calls-for-service are rising (an increase of about 12 this week, totaling 4,59 for the week and 4,336 so far this year) and that the jail population increased by nine this week to 145 inmates (111 males, 34 females).
The Sheriff described a spring impaired-driving campaign funded by a MoDOT traffic-safety grant running March 14 through April 18; the campaign included three shifts and several removals from the roadway (two for DWI and one for drugs and firearms violations). Board members questioned the Sheriff about vehicle impound options following stops and about average jail stays; the Sheriff said release depends on charges and bonding, and that inmates sentenced to the Department of Corrections may generate board-billing recoupment for the county in certain circumstances.
The board did not take additional formal action based on the Sheriff's report; members acknowledged the increased call volume and safety concerns.
