Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Merit Board approved three conditional hires and two promotions during a Thursday meeting.
With these new hires, the KCSO's merit division will be fully staffed. KCSO Patrol Commander Lt. Mike Mulligan said the three hires are conditional at this time since some tests still need to be completed, including polygraph examinations. Pending those test results, the three candidates will officially be offered positions.
For promotions, Cpl. Justin Smith was promoted to sergeant, and deputy Mike Heady was promoted to corporal.
In other business, KCSO Senior Det. Sgt. Josh Spangle provided the board with an update on recent incidents involving mail fraud and counterfeit $100 bills. A $100 bill with the words "Motion Picture Use Only" printed on it was recently used at a local business. Spangle said the bills look real but feel more like paper than currency. Those who encounter any counterfeit currency should contact law enforcement.
A local farm also had a check fraudulently used after it was stolen from their mail and reproduced. Spangle said he and local investigators are currently working to determine where the stolen funds went.
Sheriff Jim Smith said tablet usage for Kosciusko County Jail inmates is continuing to go well, emphasizing the importance of limiting the amount of paper circulating within the jail. Through the tablets, each inmate has access to a wide variety of free content and also receives one free virtual visit with a loved one every week.
"(Lessening the paper trail in the jail) really lessens the trafficking," said Smith.
A new policy for mail was recently implemented at KCJ.
The board's next meeting is on Dec. 14.
