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Sheriff converts registry clerk role to detective and secures K9 funding for explosive detection
Summary
Sheriff Mullins won commission approval to convert the sex-offender registry clerk position to a detective role and the county approved roughly $7,114.89 to outfit a certified explosive-detection K9 and handler vehicle; the deputy proposed using his certified dog for county and school deployments.
Sheriff Mullins asked commissioners to change a vacant sex-offender-registry (SOR) clerk/bookkeeper position into a detective position that would retain registry duties and take on school-related investigations. The sheriff said the longtime clerk, Jod Ingram, resigned and the change would relieve detectives while maintaining registry bookkeeping. Finance director Amanda Hail said the conversion will add about $3,500 for the rest of this fiscal year and approximately $7,000 in the following year; the county estimated the total detective salary at about $53,000. The commission approved the position change by voice vote.
Separately, Deputy Paul Presley proposed placing a certified explosive-detection dog, Grim, with the sheriff's office and the school system. Presley, a school resource officer, described his dog's pedigree, training in over 15 explosive odors, and prior experience working with schools. He itemized one-time equipment costs to outfit his 2015 Dodge Ram with a transport cage and a heat alarm and listed recurring certification/training expectations. Presley presented a vendor total of $5,114.89 for the transport cage, heat alarm and annual certification; he noted additional optional training aids could cost about $2,000. "I'm asking just to outfit my truck ... K9 Grim would stay with me as his handler and accompany me to Russellville Elementary School every morning as my regular duty," Presley said, adding the dog is already certified in explosive detection.
Commissioners discussed funding sources, including taking money from fund balance or exploring whether opioid-settlement funds could be used. A motion to approve the funding (the motion referenced roughly $7,114.89) passed by voice vote. The sheriff's office said the dog would be available to the county, schools and mutual-aid partners for explosive-search operations.
