Currently inmates are transported to the Nevada County Courthouse to appear before a Judge for arraignment. They must be physically searched before leaving the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility and again upon return. However, video equipment being installed at the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility and the Courthouse will reduce the number of inmates transported. The Board of Corrections recommends a staffing level of 55 to operate the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility. Active recruitment by the personnel department is underway.
Correctional officers say their fatigue and stress are at the highest level in years.
Correctional officers are offered a salary and retirement package lower than neighboring counties. This situation jeopardizes officers and inmates. The risk of financial liability to the county also increases. The county continues to lose qualified correctional officers. Reasons cited include low salaries, mandatory overtime, high levels of stress and an inadequate retirement plan.