What’s New in County 22?”
This month in my article I would like to explain a little bit about our dispatch/jailers. Our dispatcher/jailers are the backbone of our department. They usually work four-ten hour shifts, 5 hours of dispatching and 5 hours of jail duties normally. Some of their duties include using a computer-aided dispatch system, receiving emergency calls from the public that are requesting police, fire, medical or other emergency services. They determine the nature and location of the emergency; determine priorities, and dispatch police, fire, ambulance or other emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures. They receive and process 911 emergency calls. Maintain contact with all units on assignment, maintain status and location of police and fire units. Monitor direct emergency alarms, answer non-emergency calls for assistance. Enter, update and retrieve information from a variety of computer systems. Receive requests for information regarding vehicle registration, driving records and warrants, and provide pertinent data. They monitor several complex public safety radio frequencies. They operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones and computer systems. A Dispatcher/Jailer’s responsibility is to watch over individuals who have been arrested and incarcerated. Typically, these individuals are awaiting trial, or have been sentenced to spend time in the county jail. They may also monitor inmate surveillance, transport inmates to court on occasion, monitor jail visits, maintain inmate paperwork and perform general duties around the facility.
Currently at the Sheriff’s Office, we have two openings for dispatcher/jailer so we are tweaking our schedule to make sure all shifts are covered. Tonya Wille was part-time dispatch/jail and I promoted her to full time but still need to hire one more. We are taking applications until Friday, November 17th at 4pm. The hours will vary, to include nights, weekends and holidays. If you have any interest in this position, please stop in for an application or you can find one online on our website.
Car vs deer accidents are on the rise. Be aware that they will be moving at all times and “don’t veer for deer. My deputies have already accounted for two deer hits so far. I know hunters have been and will be going out to get their big buck. Please remember hunter safety training and tips. Do not point your weapon loaded or unloaded at anything you do not want to shoot. Bowhunters please use safety harnesses and have a safe and successful hunting season.
And if you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me anytime, e-mail me at mtschirgi@claytoncountyia.gov, or stop by to see me.
Thanks and be safe,
Sheriff Mike Tschirgi