CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – After a lengthy setback from supply chain issues, 26-sets of stab vests and body armor have finally arrived for Correctional Officers working in the Clinton County Jail located in Frankfort. These vests are custom fit to the individual and are issued as part of their duty uniform.
“We ordered this equipment in January and took delivery on the majority of our order this past week,” stated Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly.
“The number of violent assaults in prisons and jails have increased across the state over the last 2 years, such as Lieutenant Eugene Lasco who was stabbed to death by an inmate at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, IN on February 21, 2021.”
“It is my duty and priority to provide the necessary equipment to all staff to ensure their safety while providing an essential service in our community. The outer carrier offers additional health benefits to reduce the stress on the hips and lower back while giving the Officers the opportunity to carry more equipment, such as tourniquets, in the event of an injury to staff or inmates.”
While nearly $12,200 from the commissary fund was spent to purchase the 26 vests, half of that cost will be reimbursed via a grant awarded by the United States Department of Justice secured by the work of Jail Matron Ashley Kelly.
Correctional officers have also received in previous months body cameras and tasers purchased with money collected from housing federal inmates.
“I am incredibly proud of our staff and Matron Kelly for taking the initiative to provide new equipment, while saving local tax dollars. The camera and taser purchases are great examples of bringing federal tax dollars back into our community,” added Sheriff Kelly.
An additional order will be placed in the coming months to equip newer hired jail staff.
