Mayors and the Board of Supervisors in Keokuk County, Iowa, recently met to address public safety concerns. The county relies on the sheriff’s office for law enforcement, which serves nearly 10,000 residents across 580 square miles. However, the sheriff’s office is currently down two deputies, leading to concerns about response times and adequate coverage.

Staffing Challenges

Sheriff Casey Hinnah stated that his office has been trying to fill vacancies, but several attendees at the meeting asked about staff turnover. Hinnah explained that each departure was for a different reason. The sheriff’s office is based in Sigourney, and Hinnah was asked about response times to emergency calls in other parts of the county, such as Richland, which is about 23 miles away.

Hinnah estimated that it would take at least 20 to 25 minutes to respond to an emergency call in Richland. State Rep. Helena Hayes, R-New Sharon, attended the meeting and called it an important step in addressing the county’s public safety concerns. Another deputy’s resignation was expected during a recent supervisors’ meeting, and the sheriff’s office has posted an open deputy sheriff position on social media.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.