Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Carlton speaks out on jail issues

The biggest issue facing the Nevada County Sheriffs Office is the jail.

Thats according to Nevada County Sheriff Bobby Carlton who is nearing the end of his first term and is seeking re-election.

Weve spent a lot of money on this one already, Carlton said, referring to the jail facility.

The jail has been a recurring issue as county officials are faced with jail inspections that note failure to meet state requirements.

The facility  now capable of housing 23 prisoners  is the oldest still in operation in the state. It was built in 1928.

Theyll eventually close it down, Carlton said. Its just an old jail.

The options are to build a new facility and Carlton said many of the materials used in the improvements could be moved. The problem with that solution is funding. Carlton said he doesnt believe the local tax base will support a construction project and that he would personally never support a tax increase for this urpose.

The county had been among the communities considered for a regional prison and Carlton said that could have been the answer to the local prisoner housing issue. If the opportunity arises again,

Carlton said it could be the answer to the jail issue.

Carlton said security at the jail has been addressed through installation of cameras and increased training for the jailers.

On other fronts, Carlton said drugs are the major problem facing the county as a whole. Drug arrests are up  a sign that users and dealers are being caught. But Carlton said the only way to address the issue is through education. He said the sheriffs office is

attempting to put educational programs into the schools and churches and plan to be part of the health fair on April 26.

Weve got to educate the younger people, Carlton said.

Carlton said that all arrests are up with 65 DWI arrests over the past year.

I believe our active enforcement has had an impact, Carlton said. The people see what were doing to enforce the law and see that were out at all hours of the day and night.

Carlton worked as an Arkansas State Trooper prior to becoming the Nevada County Sheriff. He is a graduate of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy and has an array of special training certificates to his credit.

Carlton said the campaign trail is going well and that the message hes attempting to send is that hes working for the citizens of the county.

Vote for me because Im honest and I believe in enforcing the law, Carlton said. I believe that enforcing the law makes the highways safer for anyone and everyone to travel. Im always going to enforce it in this manner.

The people pay for protection and were trying to give them protection.