LAKEPORT – The Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved a request by Sheriff Rod Mitchell to add eight positions to his jail staff.

Mitchell went to the board to ask them for the positions, which he said he would pay for through deputy sheriff vacancies.

“Mr. Chair, this issue can't wait until final budget hearings,” Mitchell said to Board Chair Jeff Smith.

Mitchell said he's successfully filled all 50 current correctional officers positions. However, he said, “We're still not having success recruiting experienced peace officers or academy graduates to the county.”

He continued, “I feel very positive about the fact that we have not only a full staff in the custody division but continue to receive qualified applicants for that job.”

Bringing on more staff, said Mitchell, will allow him to offer experienced correctional officers the chance to take the next step – attending the peace officers' academy and filling those deputies' vacancies – without causing staffing issues at the jail.

Smith said he appreciated Mitchell's effort to solve his staffing issues in a creative way.

Supervisor Rob Brown agreed. He said many of Mitchell's best deputies started out as officers at the jail. “They're more inclined to stay with us,” said Brown. “I really believe this is going to be a huge savings to us in the long run and have huge benefits to the community by keeping these guys local.”

Mitchell thanked the board for its role 'in helping us get to where we need to be” on staffing issues, including wages and benefits.

Supervisor Denise Rushing said she thought Mitchell's plan set up an excellent “farm system” to keep and develop talent. She asked about the effect on next year's budget, and Mitchell said he is working with County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox to ensure that no additional expense occurs.

Mitchell said he's increasingly seeing potential job candidates who say they're eager to work for the sheriff's department and stay in Lake County.

There are also many correctional officers currently in the department who want to go to the academy, Mitchell said. There's two ways to get through the academy, he added: either a candidate is agency-sponsored or they go at their own expense.

Mitchell said he wants to be able to sponsor more candidate through the academy, a chance he plans to offer first to current staffers in an effort to reward longevity.

He said he already has 10 correctional officers who want to attend the academy, and he expects more will follow once it's clear that the opportunity is there.

“This is a huge step in the right direction,” said Mitchell.

Brown offered the resolution, which the board unanimously approved.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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