"The Correctional Deputies are underpaid and they will bargain this year for a pay increase which the Sheriff and I both FULLY support. "

Response from Undersheriff William Honsal:

"The Correctional Deputies are underpaid and they will bargain this year for a  pay increase which the Sheriff and I both FULLY support.  "

"The Sheriff has spent more money in the past two years trying to hire correctional deputies than any other recuitments.  We have exhausted all resources trying to recruit within the county.   There are not a lot of people locally that want to work public safety jobs. "

"We have to be innovative with advertising and recruiting to get qualified candidates. We are now recruiting in the central valley and it has been very successful.   At this time due to the aggressive recruitment advertising we have 80+ applicants for correctional deputies.  Some of these applicants come fully trained in the Jail Core Course.   These applicants will take a written exam and an oral exam then an eligibility list will be established.     We have the potential of getting fully staffed if we continue this aggressive approach."

"The Sheriff’s office is committed to provide a safe place to work for all of our employees.   We recognize that there are increasing challenges to working in the correctional facility.     One challenge is that the convicted felons that are now being housed locally instead of state prison, thanks to AB 109 and Prop 47. "

"The Sheriff will continue to work with Human Resources,  AFSCME, and Correctional Deputies to improve staffing and to create a safe, productive environment to work.  "