The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office continues to be understaffed, but, “We’ve made a lot of progress in day-to-day needs,” Sheriff Maxwell Uy said during a briefing Monday before the council’s Public Safety Committee.
“We are still challenged, but doing better staffing-wise,” he said.
There currently are between 30 and 32 vacancies. However, seven deputy sheriff candidates will graduate in December and ease the staffing problem, Uy said. He said another “solid 10” candidates are expected to enter the next training class that begins in January.
Uy is in the process of hiring non-sworn deputies, civilian staff who will work for the sheriff’s office, but are not authorized to enforce all laws. They will be assigned to assist in the police department’s domestic violence and eviction units. Sworn officers will continue providing security at the courthouses in Rockville.
An advertising campaign to recruit more deputies soon will appear on RideOn buses, he said.
“I am very aware of some of the stresses and concerns,” said Uy. Meanwhile, he said he continues to deploy his staff where needed.
In September, union leaders announced a vote of no confidence in Uy, saying his management has left morale at an all-time low.
Security at the courthouse currently is being improved. Elevators and doors leading to offices and other court functions are being made more secure so that only those with proper badges will be able to enter. That work should be completed within one year.
Security measures are needed to separate judges and attorneys from residents who just received a jail sentence or other negative news. Court staff has been subject to verbal abuse and threats while sharing an elevator or hallway with a defendant.
“I am very attuned to the fact we have escalating incidents,” said Council Member Dawn Luedtke.
Also, during the briefing, Council Member Kristen Mink questioned whether any federal immigration officials have come to or in the courthouse.
She was told there have not been any incidents, but that court officials have developed a plan should agents try to arrest people in the courthouse.
“Inside the courtroom, the judge is in charge,” said Administrative Judge James Bonifant.
Mink noted, “Seems likelier than not they are coming,” in reference to the anticipation of further incidents.
