Since January 2007 with the newly elected Sheriff, the jail has gone through numerous changes. Staffing has changed and there are now three supervisors in the jail: the senior sergeant oversees overall jail operations on a daily basis and two shift sergeants, which oversee operations on the jail floor. A full-time transport officer has also been an addition made for the increase in inmate transport needs.

The population in the jail has doubled since January 2007 due to the number of arrests and sentencings. Since January 2007, the Sheriff allowed cotting in an attempt to hold all of our inmates instead of holding them at other facilities as a cost saving measure for Gage County. During this time, we also held numerous prisoners for other counties. In the year 2007, over $110,000 was earned and/or saved by doing this. Since that time, the recommendation came from the Jail Consultant to the County Board to the Sheriff to stay more in line with the Jail Consultant’s recommendation that was to quit cotting and cap our population at 26. This recommendation was due to various reasons to include liability, security, classification purposes, etc. Also, since January 2007, the Sheriff has implemented a number of new programs which include providing in-house commissary for inmates, a behavior-based incentive program, expansion of the visiting hours, and starting up the work release program again and house arrest program.

The jail has increased its security as well. Increase in Corrections staff, a significant increase in security cameras throughout the inside and outside of the facility, upgraded programs for improved documentation. Transport vehicles are equipped with inmate security cells and cameras. The jail is now also equipped with an Intercept full body scanner for arrestees. Additional lighting and security fencing around the perimeter of the jail and a backup generator for emergency situations.