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In a recent development highlighting ongoing challenges at the Vance County Jail, administrators are grappling with what they've termed a "physically impossible" task, as directed by the state. Following issues of safety, contraband, and overcrowding, the state's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has mandated the depopulation of the jail down to 20 inmates, despite 87 currently being housed there as of Monday. Additionally, DHHS has outlined urgent requirements, such as the appointment of 20 more deputies and submission of recruitment plans by mid-April.
Sheriff Curtis Brame and acting jail administrator William Mitchell have openly stated during a county commissioners' meeting that meeting these demands in the stated timeframe is implausible. Mitchell highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting the insufficient number of deputies available to redistribute the workload. Despite hiring new staff and developing strategies for improvement, timely compliance remains a significant hurdle.
The jail system has been under immense pressure, evidenced by the transfer of 77 inmates throughout North Carolina, with plans for further relocations this week. In response to these escalating demands, Vance County has introduced emergency pay incentives to encourage deputy participation, aiming to alleviate some operational burdens. However, without deputies and correctional officers willing to work additional hours, the situation remains tenuous.
Sheriff Brame accentuated the overwhelming levels of overtime faced by employees, attributing it to complications unmet since the COVID-19 pandemic. The county officials are being pressed for immediate strategies to manage contraband control and provide weekly census data, adding layers of difficulty to an already strained environment.
For more detailed coverage, please visit the original article on WRAL's website at [WRAL.com](Source).
Vance County Jail Administrators Face "Physically Impossible" Task Amid State's Demand
In a recent development highlighting ongoing challenges at the Vance County Jail, administrators are grappling with what they've termed a "physically impossible" task, as directed by the state. Following issues of safety, contraband, and overcrowding, the state's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has mandated the depopulation of the jail down to 20 inmates, despite 87 currently being housed there as of Monday. Additionally, DHHS has outlined urgent requirements, such as the appointment of 20 more deputies and submission of recruitment plans by mid-April.
Sheriff Curtis Brame and acting jail administrator William Mitchell have openly stated during a county commissioners' meeting that meeting these demands in the stated timeframe is implausible. Mitchell highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting the insufficient number of deputies available to redistribute the workload. Despite hiring new staff and developing strategies for improvement, timely compliance remains a significant hurdle.
The jail system has been under immense pressure, evidenced by the transfer of 77 inmates throughout North Carolina, with plans for further relocations this week. In response to these escalating demands, Vance County has introduced emergency pay incentives to encourage deputy participation, aiming to alleviate some operational burdens. However, without deputies and correctional officers willing to work additional hours, the situation remains tenuous.
Sheriff Brame accentuated the overwhelming levels of overtime faced by employees, attributing it to complications unmet since the COVID-19 pandemic. The county officials are being pressed for immediate strategies to manage contraband control and provide weekly census data, adding layers of difficulty to an already strained environment.
For more detailed coverage, please visit the original article on WRAL's website at [WRAL.com](Source).