(WGTD)---Personnel issues within the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Dept. came up during a debate Wednesday night between the incumbent sheriff and the man that’s out to replace him.
Dave Beth—who’s been sheriff for the past 16 years—is seeking a new term in the November election. A sergeant in the department, Dave Zoerner, is the challenger. The forum, organized by Forward Kenosha, was held at Parkway Chateau. WGTD Community Matters co-host Len Iaquinta moderated.
One issue that came up was the decision to move to 12-hour shifts in the downtown jail and at the detention center near the airport. Although some employees are complaining about the pending change, Beth said the move was approved by a committee of employees and managers. "This jail work group, with their representatives, their people, voted unanimously to put this into policy," he said.
Beth said the new shifts should virtually eliminate overtime in the jail, but Zoerner said he doubts that because the jail is not fully-staffed. "Everyone isn't as enthusiastic about it as the sheriff alludes," he said, adding that it could be hard on some of the jail's older employees.
Another issue that came up was the department’s ability to attract and retain deputies. Zoerner said there’s been a mass exodus. Beth called that an exaggeration. Beth, however, said deputy sheriff salaries need to be raised. He said the matter will be addressed when the current three year-long contract expires next year.
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