Woodbury County Sheriff Boosts New Jail Funding with Federal Prisoners
Woodbury County Sheriff Chad Sheehan is taking innovative steps to finance the construction of a much-needed new county jail by accommodating an increased number of federal prisoners. In a strategic move, Sheehan is seeking approval from county supervisors to allocate funds for the hiring of eight additional officers who will play a crucial role in managing and transporting federal inmates from North Dakota.
“We’re gearing up to receive North Dakota inmates from the Marshals here, but this process is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to transportation logistics,” Sheehan explains. He emphasizes the need for seamless coordination, as there may be instances where the sheriff’s department is required to travel halfway or even all the way to Fargo to facilitate the transfer of prisoners.
The recently inaugurated Law Enforcement Center, which now operates across two separate floors, necessitates a larger workforce to ensure efficient functioning. Sheehan underscores the benefits of expanding the staff, stating, “We’re essentially running as two distinct units. By bolstering our manpower in key areas like booking and intake, we can enhance our operational capacity.”
The Sheriff estimates that the recruitment of additional personnel would entail a cost of $650,000, a figure that would be offset by the revenue generated from housing 18 federal inmates from North Dakota. With plans to accommodate approximately 40 federal inmates from North Dakota, Sheehan anticipates a revenue stream of nearly $1.5 million, a substantial portion of which will be directed towards servicing the new law enforcement center.
Looking ahead, Sheehan envisions a scenario where the enhanced staff levels will enable the department to manage over 100 federal inmates from various states. “We are equipped to handle up to 125 to 150 inmates through this expansion, with our sights set on the higher end of that range,” he reveals. The anticipated revenue from housing federal inmates will be instrumental in offsetting the costs associated with the new facility.
Despite the strategic move to increase federal inmate intake, Sheehan clarifies that the department does not anticipate detaining individuals apprehended by ICE as undocumented immigrants. This decision underscores the Sheriff’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the law enforcement center while optimizing revenue streams through innovative strategies.
In conclusion, Sheehan’s proactive approach to funding the new county jail through federal prisoner housing reflects a strategic blend of financial acumen and operational efficiency. By leveraging the revenue potential of accommodating federal inmates, the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Department is not only addressing its financial obligations but also enhancing its operational capabilities for the benefit of the community it serves.
