Orange County NC Website
10 <br /> per year. He said there are also officers that always want to work some overtime. He said they try <br /> to absorb from the part time. He said that a factor they have to consider is that each deputy has <br /> different training for their assignments. He said that because of their uniquities, it is beneficial to <br /> use part-time employees to assist. He said that there is a move afoot that is supposed to expand <br /> the 1000 hours. He said there is a Return-to-Work bill which would allow a retired deputy to keep <br /> working without losing their supplement. He said that it allows them to keep seasoned, trained, <br /> and certified officers in place. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked if hiring full-time staff would alleviate overtime or would the <br /> specific needs for each position require hiring more than would be reasonable. <br /> Sheriff Blackwood said it would, but the cost would be much more than what they are <br /> paying them now. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the court staff are temporary employees. She asked <br /> if they were the ones that transport people from the detention center to court. <br /> Sheriff Blackwood said there is a separate transport staff. He said court staff are designed <br /> to work in the courts. He said they have some full time and some part time employees in the <br /> courthouse. He said there are several courts spread out in the county that his employees have to <br /> staff. <br /> Commissioner Carter asked about the budgeted number to support domestic violence <br /> contacts and incidents. She asked what is behind the significant increase in the budgeted number <br /> vs. the last projected. <br /> Sheriff Blackwood said there has been a significant increase in the number of domestic <br /> violence incidents. He said there are a lot of factors at play as to why, but the numbers are through <br /> the roof and is a wave that is washing over them. <br /> Chair Bedford asked for an update about getting a body scanner and other updates to be <br /> able to use the classroom space for those held in the detention center. <br /> Sheriff Blackwood said those discussions are ongoing and as soon as there is money for <br /> the updates they will work with Asset Management Services. He said the funds are present for <br /> the body scanner and the funds are in the body camera line. He said that there are several <br /> approvals necessary in purchasing that and those are ongoing. <br /> Chair Bedford asked how in-person visitation is going at the detention center. <br /> Sheriff Blackwood said it is going well, and there have been no incidents. <br /> Chair Bedford asked about the bus stop. <br /> Sheriff Blackwood said the bus does not run during the visitation hours. <br /> Commissioner McKee said everyone appreciates the work he and his staff do to keep <br /> them out of the national news. <br /> Sheriff Blackwood said he is blessed with wonderful teams. He said Orange County has <br /> an amazing staff, including the County Manager. He said that with the leadership they have the <br /> combination of his work and Tina Sykes work has been very rewarding. <br />