Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn was one of 13 department heads today to give a review of 2019 and goals to County Commissioners for 2020.  Concerning 2019 Dunn reported a new drone unit was started with two pilots and two drones.

Dunn added requests for gun permits have been going up significantly in recent years.  Permits to carry totaled 612 in 2019.  Dunn told Commissioners, "In my opinion people are using these permits responsibly."  He could only recall a few permits had to be taken away due to bad behavior.

Calls for service were down from 17,187 in 2018 to 17,064 last year.  Average daily jail occupants were 47 down slightly from 50, the most ever in 2018.  However Dunn pointed out another 15 prisoners were sent to other facilities.  The Rice County Sheriff told the County Board of Commissioners a new K-9 will be chosen in the fall to replace a retiring K-9 officer.

Josh Malecha has been chosen to fill the new fraud investigator position after five years working with the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force.

In outlining goals for 2020 the Sheriff emphatically stated he wants Rice County off the 13 deadliest counties list dealing with DWI citations.  Dunn noted next month his office will be launching a new facility study for a Jail/LEC.

Dunn concluded his presentation telling the County Board of Commissioners he hopes to add body worn cameras next year after a couple years of holding the budget down at their request.

Dunn called the cameras, "A great asset."  Possibly protecting the officers and county from "potential liability."

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From KDHL Radio