2020-03-10 Update with SheriffSheriff’s Update
March 10, 2020
10:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Sheriff Snaza,
Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Chief Chris Sweet, Chief Dusty Breen, Chief Bruce Kimsey, Budget Services
Manager Becky Butler, County Manager Erik Martin joined at 10:05 a.m.
Guests: Frank Corbin, Linda Williams
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Chief Dusty Breen provided an update on the Special Services Bureau:
• Staffing is going well for records, and detectives will be full in May.
• Detectives have stayed consistently busy assisting with a large marijuana grow and
working a homicide case in partnership with Auburn PD as well as numerous other incidents.
• Firearms transfers are at 495 and climbing in 2 months.
• Researching in-vehicle solution to connectivity options called Cradlepoint. Deputies are
currently using hotspots that have troubles in remote access areas. Cradlepoint is a modem that
is mounted to the vehicle and has precision GPS location. The LCSO has rolled out 3 units as test
models. Each unit costs approximately $2000 per unit and installation. The life expectancy is
about 7 years which is the average life span of the vehicles. So far, coverage has been
approximately 98% of service locations which is a vast improvement on the repeater. They are
working on a small technology grant through Country Financial Insurance, and Commissioner
Jackson said he may have some ideas on funding as well.
Chief Chris Sweet provided an update on the Corrections Bureau:
• Discussed Covid-19. The jail currently has precautionary screening in place. They are
partnering with NaphCare. There is a pandemic handbook as well as protocols and
procedures in place when necessary.
• Chief Sweet thanked the Commissioners for their support for the purchases of the body
scanner. As soon as the painting/remodel is done, the scanner will be installed. The jail
is on restrictive status until the project is complete.
• 2 new deputies have just graduated from the academy and are on their FTO programs,
with one person just finishing up the FTO program. There will be 4 new openings on the
Corrections side.
Chief Bruce Kimsey provided an update on the Field Operations Bureau:
• Calls are up for the month.
• 2 positions filled with another coming vacant in April. Two Deputies for the Corrections
Bureau are going to Field Operations. They will be attending Basic Law enforcement
Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) for 6 months. Upon completion, they will be on
the FTO program for 2 months before being on their own (2021).
• 10 Pillars of Mental Performance Mastery will be offered at the Bethel Church on March
12, 2020
Undersheriff Rethwill provided updates to:
• Region 3 Sheriff’s CIIT meeting/training due to WAC 139-12 being codified. Protocols are
being finished out and the team will mirror the WAC
• Touched bases on road vacancies and the jail side will be down between 4-7 positions
from retirement and transfers. Job postings are out and will be attending local job fairs.
• Had a few events that just took place. They’ve completed in-service training and the
Target Zero Traffic Safety. Undersheriff Rethwill thanked the Commissioners for
participating.
• LCSO was awarded the U.S. Forest Service Directors Team Excellence Award for
partnerships and training opportunities with the U.S. Forest Service. The award
presentation is in San Antonio.
• SECTOR Replacement Project Committee meetings.
• Currently in contract negotiations with the Guild representing corrections deputies.
Sheriff Snaza addressed:
• East End substation. There is a need for an incident command/substation in the east end
of Lewis County. Sheriff Snaza proposed using the county shop. Currently, county
vehicles and rescue equipment are in open areas. Having them all in one central location
would save time and resources. Currently, staffing does not allow for a support tech, but
this was a topic being considered.
• March 23 looking for a definitive decision for the jail transport van.
Meeting ended 11:04 a.m.