Stafford County, Va. –– Sheriff Charles E. Jett wants more deputies on the streets to engage in community policing. To do that, he’ll need at least seven new deputies.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved his request to seek grant funding for the new deputies.
Jett pointed out a post-911 study revealed law enforcement officers should spend at least 40 percent of their time on duty working in communities, building stronger relationships.
The $1.4 million, three-year grant from the Department of Justice would include funding for the new officers, and would include annual three-percent salary increases.
After the grant term is up, county taxpayers would be asked to foot the bill for the officers for at least 12 months at an estimated cost of $508,000, according to county documents.
“Because of the economy, I’ve presented to you each [previous] year in the budget where we are at and that the need still exists for the positions, but understanding the fiscal climate and understanding those positions could not be funded, but the current need still exists” Jett told the Board.
The sheriff’s department has not added any new positions in the past three years, according to Jett.
“So another way to put this is, if you don’t get this grant you’ll be back here next year asking us for money,” asked Supervisor Paul Milde, III of Jett.
“That’s correct, Mr. Milde,” Jett replied.
Supervisors also said it was important to hire new deputies to keep up with the county’s growth rate.
“I am going to support this because of the fact that we have not been able to hire any deputies in 09, 10 and 11, and that is one of our priorities,” said Supervisor Susan Stimpson.
