Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Working To Address Staffing Issues At Jail

Many businesses are struggling to find people to work and that includes the Tulsa County jail.

"We’ve planned ahead. We do have a plan in place, but as we dig deeper into that plan we’ve run out of options," said Tulsa Sheriff Vic Regalado.

Sheriff Regaldo said the need for workers at the jail has reached a critical level. He said the department has to require mandatory overtime just to operate the jail each day.

"People from other areas are also pitching in at the jail to help. We’re staying away from patrol because that is a critical function. We’re careful where we pull from security at JBDC and of course the courthouse," said Sheriff Regalado.

Regalado said the shortage began two years ago and is getting worse. He said despite offering incentives including a 13.5% raise, bonuses for working evenings and midnight shifts, and an extra $600 each month, they still can't hire enough people. 

"Unfortunately when you start talking about law enforcement or nurses, or social work. Any occupation that is of service to people its never been about the money," said Sheriff Regalado.

He hopes people looking for jobs will apply for the openings. 

“We can’t continue to just quote get by. We have got to start seeing an improvement or there is going to be a lot of serious issues that are going to arise," said Sheriff Regalado.

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