Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rotary hears from NCSO

There are more than 2,000 outstanding warrants currently held by the Nevada County Sheriffs Office.

That was one piece of information offered to Prescott Rotarians by Nevada County Sheriff Bobby Carlton during the clubs March 26 meeting.

While Carlton didnt have an exact figure for the amount of revenue owed the county in regard to those outstanding warrants, he did say, its a lot of money.

The problem, according to Carlton, is that the county doesnt have jail space available to make arrests.

We could go out and try to rustle the bushes, but if you arrest them where are you going to put them? Carlton asked.

He said the county jail holds only about 20 prisoners. Housing prisoners in Hempstead County costs $90 per day, Carlton said.

And juveniles are even more.

Carlton said the county receives free ambulance service for those who need to be transported, but it still costs the county in deputys time. He briefly talked about the costs of medical and dental care for inmates, and said those expenses are big pieces of the jails budget.

On other notes, Carlton told Rotarians that hes looking into using non-violent, low-risk offenders for trash details.

He also offered information about the drug trends. While crystal methamphetamine continues to be a huge problem, Carlton said illegal use of prescription drugs are on the increase. He said drug users often watch the obituaries for those who have died of cancer and other prolonged illnesses.

They know therell be drugs in that house, Carlton said.

He said hydrocordone - a pain killer - sells on the street for $1 per milligram. A bottle of high-strength pills can be a valuable commodity in the hands of those using or selling illegal prescription drugs.

Carlton said the database of elderly residents is coming together, and that deputies are beginning to take time to check in on those on the list. He said he also plans to begin a child identification program in the county soon.