County sheriff implements new policies

Newly-elected Nodaway County Sheriff Randy Strong plans to make multiple changes to department policies and procedures.

According to Strong, the department has not had a standard, adopted operating policy. He has been working with his administrative team to create a standard operating procedure manual. He is contacting another sheriff in the state and using his department’s handbook as a reference.

The policy will include instructions on how to handle all day-to-day operations, from filling out reports and making arrests to handling harassment and placing an inmate on bond. The handbook will cover all situations deputies may find themselves in for appropriate procedures.

“Everyone is excited to have some guidance to handle situations. An agency this size needs guidelines,” Strong stated.

Strong hired Brent Blackburn as Nodaway County’s head dispatcher. Blackburn will be developing a training program for all jailers and dispatchers to improve consistency.

Strong would like to see the county adopt a correctional healthcare program taking pressure and liability off of the officers and jailers and placing it on qualified doctors and nurses.

Strong also stated that the department will slowly be replacing its fleet of Dodge Chargers. He said the rural community is better suited for four-wheel drive vehicles such as pickups or SUVs.