Sheriff's Dispatch, June 1, 2021
Hello Benton County, it's been too long since I've written to you. When I tell you it has been crazy starting up this new facility, it would be like comparing the Grand Canyon to a drainage ditch. This has been a massive undertaking, presenting almost unsurmountable challenges. With that being said, I want to thank the dedicated, hardworking staff here at our new location at 1620 East Main. These men and women have worked tirelessly through unimaginable issues to get your new facility up and running, all while short staffed.
During the startup process, we have also been working with the Federal Government on a contract to use our additional bed space to bring some much needed income into our county. I have been in discussion with the Benton County Commissioners about using some of the proceeds to bring our staff, including the deputies, up to a living wage. Currently I have one deputy out who was injured while trying to take a suspect into custody. One deputy has left their law enforcement career, choosing to work in a factory where the social climate is more favorable, and others, who have moved on for much better pay and benefits with other agencies. This has left our Sheriff's Office down by six vital positions. We are not alone in being short staffed but a substantial pay raise with the additional funds generated from leasing bed space, coupled with our amazing community, will attract new, qualified employees.
We have been working with Katy Trail Community Health on a partnership to supply much needed medical care for our facility. In the past, staff members had to transport every detainee to a medical office or the hospital for every issue that arose, costing time and money. This relationship will not only benefit our facility, my staff and the detainees but also have a positive impact on the community. Once the patient/doctor relationship has been established through the jail setting, it can continue on the outside once released. This has also created yet another employment opportunity within our county for a registered nurse. All told, including the new RN position, we have created nine new jobs within the county. It is my hope that someday we can bring even more employment opportunities into our area with business and industry, it hurts me to see our young people leave.
If you watch the news, you know how blessed we are to live in Benton County. I am continually impressed and awed at the generosity, compassion and strength our citizens' exhibit on a daily basis. You will be hard pressed to find a group of people who support their law enforcement and our great Constitution more than Benton County! Everywhere I go in this community our citizens express their love and admiration for our law enforcement, an attitude that is getting hard to find in some other areas in our beloved United States. If you have any questions I am available to you by phone at 660-438-6135. I also encourage you to visit our website at www.bentoncountysheriffmo.org for our latest bookings and news about your Sheriff's Office. Thank you Benton County! Keep strong, stay vigilant and get involved.
Sheriff Knox
