‘Crime does not stop:’ Shelby County sheriff responds to overtime concerns

SHELBY COUNTY, Texas (KETK) – The sheriff of Shelby County took to social media on Wednesday to address concerns about the office’s overtime budget.

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Citing an article by The Light and Champion, Sheriff Kevin Windham said he feels it is his duty to respond to the article, which included a recap of the overtime conversation at a Feb. 7 Shelby County Commissioner’s Court meeting.

During that meeting, the Light and Champion reports that the county auditor said overtime over the past nine pay periods is $30,000 more than the year before. The newspaper reported that Precinct 1 Commissioner Roscoe McSwain alleged “no one is keeping an eye on what’s going on” and suggested changing the overtime policy.

In his written response, Windham said he feels McSwain’s comments were a personal attack on the agency.

“It is no secret that my health has not allowed me to be in the office every day,” Windham, who had a double lung transplant last August, said. “However, this does not mean that I am not involved with the everyday operations. I am 100% involved. I am fully confident in the administration that is in place at the office.”

Windham admitted to being over on the overtime budget, but said the office is under on their payroll budget. The sheriff’s office has not had all divisions fully staffed at any one point over the past three years, he said.

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The overtime budget for SCSO, which includes about 50 people with 24/7 staffing, is $75,000.

Windham said overtime is unavoidable, and outlined some of the main issues the sheriff’s office is facing when it comes to having to dish out overtime pay.

“Crime does not stop. Mental health does not stop,” Windham said.

He explained how responding and dealing with mental health calls can take entire days at a time, and most calls require at least two deputies.

“When an individual is brought in on mental health issues, without criminal charges, a deputy must sit on the individual in our patrol office until a determination is made on their condition,” Windham said. “If a higher level of care is recommended, the deputy will continue to sit with the individual until a bed is found, then at that time, we will transport the individual to the facility. This process can take two to 24 hours, not including transportation time. Transportation time is roughly six hours due to housing locations being in the Houston area. This requires calling another deputy in to assist with calls, due to not having a deputy on duty.”

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Additionally, housing Shelby County inmates in Panola County puts a “large strain” on the budget, Windham said.

In his statement, he invited commissioners to come experience the day-to-day at the sheriff’s office.

“We want them to see the day to day operations of the entire office; ride along with a deputy, spend time with our investigators, dispatchers and in the jail,” Windham said. “Get a firsthand look at what a day is like. Unfortunately, as of this date, not one [commissioner] has responded to our offer.”

Windham said that last calendar year, the office had 9,173 calls for service.

“These are just a few responsibilities we are tasked with daily; this doesn’t begin to scratch the surface,” Windham said. “The point is, we are doing the absolute best with what we have. We can only work with what we are given, and what is available. Unrealistic expectations will not create positive outcomes.”

You can read Windham’s full statement on his Facebook page.

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