Jail job openings reduced from 12 to 7

Turnover among those employed in the profession of correctional jail guards is no small problem.  For Oconee County, sources tell 101.7/WGOG NEWS, there were as many as 11 open guard positions at the county detention center.  Sheriff Crenshaw says his office faced filling one dozen openings but has now reduced those openings to five.  Meantime, there’s little room at the inn.  Crenshaw says the county jail population is close to 200.  Expectations are that one dozen of those inmates, being sentenced this week in the General Sessions Court, will be transferred to state Department of Corrections’ penal facilities.  Are the trials and tribulations faced by jail staff responsible?  Crenshaw says, “That is part of it.  I think we are still seeing a COVID effect of some not wanting to work.  I believe the starting pay of $41,500 will help along with legislation passed this year allows 18 years old to work in the jail.”  Anyone interested in a career may apply at Oconeesc.com.