This interview was recorded on Wednesday, Sep. 6, at the Henderson County Justice Center with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.
I. Stats (:30)
Summary: There are currently 438 inmates in custody in Henderson County Jail, including 101 contract inmates. The average for the year is 410.
Comments: "It's been going up a little bit, and then of course our contract inmates have crept up," said Sheriff Hillhouse.
II. Budget (1:32)
Summary: Sheriff Hillhouse has been busy working on the FY 2024 budget, which was approved by County Commissioners Tuesday morning. One highlight of the new budget is the approval of a new investigator for the Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Comments: "We've seen a lot of kids, unfortunately, but we knew that was going to happen when we took on the bigger caseload," Sheriff Hillhouse said.
III. New Laws (3:36)
Summary: The state saw hundreds of new laws go into effect on Sep. 1. Sheriff Hillhouse highlighted a few.
* More training: All law enforcement officers must now take training on child death investigations. "Everybody's going to receive that training," Sheriff Hillhouse said. "Those deputies or police officers are the ones out there taking the initial reports."
* More school officers, active shooter training: All schools statewide will have someone armed on campus. Also, every state officer must have 16 hours of active shooter training every two years. "There were a lot of schools that added more police officers to their ISD PDs, which I think is a good thing," Sheriff Hillhouse said.
* School safety meetings: County Sheriffs are now responsible for holding two school safety meetings per year with all the school districts and emergency management stakeholders. "I'm hoping to have our first meeting around November," Sheriff Hillhouse said.
* Fentanyl: If someone overdoses on fentanyl, the person who sold the fentanyl can be charged with murder.
* Boating charge enhanced: Boating while intoxicated with a child younger than 15 on the boat is now a state jail felony. "I think this is a law that needed to be on the books," Sheriff Hillhouse said.
IV. Deputies of the Quarter (10:33)
Summary: Wednesday, Sheriff Hillhouse was honored to present three outstanding employees with awards for their service and dedication to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. Investigator Jose Romero was named Deputy of the 3rd quarter of 2023. Communications Officer Sarah Fisher was named Communications Officer of the quarter. Detention Officer Michelle Briggs was named Detention Officer of the quarter.
Comments: "All three of these individuals in the last couple of months have gone above and beyond," said Sheriff Hillhouse. "They're outstanding employees."
Sheriff's Report: New laws in effect