CONTRIBUTED BY THE JAY JONES FOR SHERIFF CAMPAIGN
OPINION — This past week, I confirmed my intention to qualify for reelection to the office of Sheriff of Lee County. During my service as Sheriff, Lee County has been one of the fastest growing counties in the state, nearly doubling in population. I have led the Sheriff’s Office during this period of growth and change by setting standards of professionalism in recruiting, hiring and training staff that are among the best in Alabama. I have worked to make sure the Sheriff’s Office has stayed current with changes in technology and provided our deputies with the best equipment available. I have made education and training a priority. Our deputies consistently receive more training hours than the state requires.
During my time as Sheriff, I worked with the city leaders in Auburn and Opelika to transform the Lee County jail into a county-wide detention center. I have established partnerships with federal authorities including the US Marshals Service, ICE and the US Army to house federal detainees. Our detention center is one of a handful in the state with mental health professionals on staff. They assess detainees and coordinate necessary treatment with other mental health professionals…