March 28, 2024

Two sergeant positions added to sheriff’s office

Staffing changes moving forward at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office will add depth to management positions. The Jasper County Board of Supervisors approved the addition of two sergeant positions for the office at its regular meeting on Tuesday.

“I think this is essential. Working with them over the last nine years, I think it will benefit the organization on what we need,” Human Resource Director Dennis Simon said. “I think our lieutenants, as John (Halferty) has changed some of the organization out there and added responsibilities to the lieutenants, this will benefit us to give more focus to the different departments whether it is jail, dispatch, narcotics enforcement or patrol. I think it is a good move and will be beneficial.”

The positions will not be an addition to the staff already at the sheriff’s office but two deputies would be promoted to the sergeant positions. The change will give more depth in management to control, direct the patrol staff and allow them to utilize lieutenants for other duties Simon said.

The office plans to fill one of the sergeant positions soon and see how it integrates into the organization. Then, after evaluating the change, it will look to potentially fill the second position in six months or at a later date.

The sergeant position will be a paid salary position and earn a percentage of the sheriff’s salary. Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty said he does not see a big impact on the budget due to the reduction of overtime pay from the hourly position.

“There will be a minimal budget change because they are paid a salary percentage of my salary but I always factor in an overtime rate for those deputy positions so it will be a very minimal change,” Halferty said. “With mental health issues and some of the changes we are dealing with in society, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. Having that extra layer of supervision will benefit us and benefit the rank and file.”

In total, the sheriff’s office has 17 sworn officers including Sheriff Halferty, Chief Deputy Duane Rozendaal, two lieutenants, the addition of two sergeant positions and 11 deputies.

“I appreciate the changes you have made out there since you have been sheriff. They seem to be well thought out. I appreciate it,” supervisor Joe Brock said.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com