SALINAS, Calif. -- Inside this barbed wire fence at the Monterey County Jail, Sheriff Deputies man the floors to keep about 1,150 inmates in line.
In every control tower, there's been one Deputy keeping a close eye on everything. In total 12 Deputies are used everyday for the job.
However, that means taking an extra body off the floor, or even coughing up some overtime to make up for it.
"With our shortage of Deputies right now that's going to be a huge time cost savings because now, that Deputy will be on the floor instead of working overtime," said Commander Fabian Barrera.
The solution? Hire 12 non-sworn law enforcement personnel and train them for one thing only.
"Their primary function will be to operate control towers," said Barrera.
That means keep an eye on entrances, on inmates, and all emergency activity. All from the control tower. No contact with any inmates.
The Monterey County Jail said it's had civilians work certain jobs for as long as its been open, but this is the first time the jail is expanding their duties to supervising inmates.
"Currently we have hired three, and there are more in the hiring process," said Barrera.
The department plans to hire a total of 12 civilians for the towers. The estimated amount this will save is $800,000 a year.
"That will free up the Deputy from the control tower, put them on the floor where his skills and training is needed and is more critical," said Barrera.
These new positions does not mean that any Deputies will lose their jobs. In fact, the whole point is to allow more eyes on inmates at one time, utilizing the highly trained deputies to have that interaction with inmates.
The jail also said these positions are entry level. Anyone with an interest in pursuing a career in the Sheriff's Office would benefit from starting here.
