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Sheriff reports drop in calls and jail crowding; requests new vehicles and schedules x-ray demo
Summary
Sheriff Ray Thomas reported 4,135 calls in Q1 2026 (down from 8,443 in Q1 2025) and 170 arrests versus 187 last year, cited visibility of deputies as a deterrent, described jail overpopulation concerns and asked the board to consider purchasing three new vehicles; he also invited commissioners to a vendor demonstration of an inmate x-ray machine.
Sheriff Ray Thomas told Delaware County commissioners on April 7 that his office handled 4,135 calls in the first quarter of 2026, down from 8,443 calls in the same period in 2025, and that the agency made 170 arrests compared with 187 last year.
Thomas said the lower call volume likely reflects increased deputy presence in the county and praised deputies for maintaining public safety on fewer calls. He told commissioners his office currently has several open investigations, including 10 FBI cases, three Attorney General matters, three OSBI cases and one internal investigation.
On jail conditions, Thomas said the facility received a surprise inspection that raised overpopulation concerns; he said he tries to keep the jail population at about 50-55 inmates but that court processing can cause fluctuations. To help prevent contraband, Thomas said a company will demonstrate an x-ray machine for inmate screening this Wednesday and invited commissioners to attend.
Thomas also said he has purchased seven used vehicles and requested the board's approval to buy three new patrol vehicles; he framed the request as necessary to maintain operations. The board heard the update as an informational agenda item; commissioners recorded roll-call approval to hear the quarterly report.
The meeting minutes record no formal vote on vehicle purchases at this session and no public comment opposing the sheriff's requests.
