By Pepper Fisher
PORT ANGELES – The Clallam County Jail, which is staffed by the Sheriff’s Office, is struggling to fill the needed positions, and it’s costing taxpayers considerable dollars in overtime pay and for hiring outside, temporary security officers.
Chief Corrections Deputy Don Wenzl, appearing on the Todd Ortloff Show, described the issues he’s facing.
“So, we are down 11 positions right now for commissioned staff. We do have control techs and kitchen staff. Those are fully staffed. But the ones that are pounding the pavement in the jail, we are down 35 percent. And those guys have been working, just burning the candle at both ends. Before they start their shift, they’re following up with another four hours. Sometimes they do a double if they’re feeling strong enough. But, this doesn’t include the three crews that would be out doing litter pickup, which we can’t stock right now. Our courthouse security, we usually staff that, too. And that is through a private company now, due to my staffing levels.”
Wenzl said he himself wanted to be a patrol officer when he started his career 25 years ago, but there weren’t any of those jobs available at the time. So, he decided to get started as a corrections officer and bide his time. Eventually, he found the job so fulfilling that he’s glad he made it his career.
Wenzl was asked to describe the job and what he’s looking for in a new recruit who might be considering getting into the corrections side of law enforcement.
“Corrections isn’t what corrections used to be. It’s not what you’ve see on TV, and it’s not that hard core prison stuff. It’s that nice go-between between patrol. Yes, you’re indoors. but you still have that similar type of service you’re providing to people. We want people that are compassionate. We want people that are out there willing to help people. My guys are interacting with the inmates, trying to make it that they don’t come back. So, the people I’m looking for are the ones that, whether they want to get on a patrol or the ones that want to make a career into corrections. The ones that are in there to help people.”
Wenzl said the training a new corrections officers gets is so similar to what patrol officers get that it’s not a huge transition to move over to that job if they decide to do so later, and the experience they get in corrections can be a very real advantage if that’s their ambition.
Right now, Sheriff Brian King is offering a $25,000 incentive bonus to new hires. King urged anyone listening that is looking for a job that will help them find meaning and purpose in their life, to give him a call.
“This is an institution of positive change. It is stressed every single day. We have the opportunity to change lives, and if you’re up to the task of doing it, it’s tough work, but it’s purposeful work. You will find it at the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office. You will really find that purpose. And I encourage everybody out there that is listening today to give us a chance to see what you can do in your community.”
(Photo: Chief Corrections Deputy Don Wenzl)