Denton County approves funding to hire 10 detention officers as sheriff reports surge in applicants

Denton County Commissioners Court on June 2 approved reallocation of funding to hire 10 full‑time detention officer positions to support ongoing hiring efforts at the county jail, after Sheriff Tracy Murphy told the court the county is receiving more applicants than available openings.

Sheriff Tracy Murphy said the department now has a surplus of applicants compared with recent years and asked the court to start with 10 new funded positions rather than the 20 previously requested, noting budget timing and background-investigator capacity. ‘‘For the first time, maybe ever, we have more applicants than we have openings right now,’’ Murphy said. She asked the court to approve 10 now and indicated she might return in a few weeks to request additional positions once background checks and budget timing are clearer.

Murphy described operational constraints that affect how quickly new hires reduce overtime: many new hires must complete a field‑training (FTO) program and mandatory jail school, during which two people may be assigned to what will later be a single filled position; promotions of sergeants and corporals to address span‑of‑control also temporarily reduce floor staffing. She told the court that from May 2025 to May 2026 the office cut roughly 1,000 overtime hours but said reductions are slower than initially expected because of these training and staffing dynamics.

Commissioners pressed on staffing numbers and praised retention and recruitment gains. Commissioner Falconer and others highlighted that pay increases and benefits have helped attract applicants; Commissioner Mitchell noted the importance of having consistent staffing so personnel can take leave and reduce burnout. Commissioners and the sheriff agreed to monitor hiring, backgrounds and overtime and to return with additional requests if needed.

The court approved the revised hiring plan by unanimous voice vote. The funding reallocation will be managed with county budget staff and the sheriff’s office, and the sheriff indicated she may request additional funded positions in the near term if background checks and promotions create openings.

What happens next: the sheriff will continue background investigations and staffing work, implement promotions and training to reduce overtime, and may return to court with requests for additional positions.