MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: APRIL 7, 2021
AGENCY: SEDGWICK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
LOCATION: WICHITA/SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS
TELEPHONE: (316) 660-0900
CONTACT: SHERIFF JEFF EASTER
Today, the Sheriff received support from the Board of County Commissioners to increase pay for detention deputies and detention corporals to address the need for staff retention and recruitment. Sheriff Easter cited increased turnover, dwindling recruitment numbers and salary disparity with other regional corrections facilities as his reasons for the pay increases. Currently, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has 98 openings in the detention bureau. When fully staffed, detention has 233 positions.
As a commitment to this effort, the Sheriff’s Office is increasing the starting wage of $15.92 to $18.96 an hour. These increases will translate to a per hour increase of approximately $3 for those in the detention deputy and detention corporal ranges. The estimated impact of the increase is $2.1 million annually for salaries and associated labor tax. No additional budget authority is necessary because of projected salary savings in the Sheriff’s Office current budget.
Other area Sheriff’s Offices and the Kansas Department of Corrections offer higher salaries and more competitive pay (note the table below).
Butler County Sheriff’s Office Starting pay $18.30 an hour
Kansas Department of Corrections Starting pay $18.26 an hour
Reno County Sheriff’s Office Starting pay $16.06 an hour
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Starting pay $15.96 an hour
M – O – R – E
At this time, the entire Sheriff’s Office is working inside the facility to ensure the safety and security of inmates and employees are maintained at the highest levels. Without these dedicated professionals, citizens would have to contend with violent criminals being back out in the community. Sheriff Easter stated that of the offenders incarcerated, 70 percent are dealing with an addiction abuse and 30 percent are dealing with mental health issues. Easter continues to champion and research options for lower cost alternatives to incarceration, through his work with several community partners through the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition.
During today’s meeting, the Board of County Commissioners reiterated their support for the Sheriff’s short-term goals and long-term vision to manage his workforce and people in his custody as well as his continued vital role on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition.
Those interested in applying for the detention deputy position can go to the Sheriff’s Office web page to apply for the position: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/Sheriff/ Those having questions about the detention deputy position may contact the Sheriff’s Office training academy at 660-3800.
The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is committed to hiring and retaining a qualified workforce that provides the highest standard of public service to those who live, work, and visit Sedgwick County.
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