Top 5 Stories of 2020 in the Sheriff's Office

Hannigan's Notebook

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I. The New Communications System (1:25)

We have spoken many times this year about the new, digital communications system being put in by the county. This $4.5 million communications system will dramatically increase the radio coverage for first responders in the county and will impact every agency in the county. It is currently on schedule to get turned on in January.

II. Dramatic Increase in Out of County Inmates (9:01)

During 2020, Henderson County was able to finalize some new contracts with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and the U.S. Marshals. These new contracts were added to existing contracts with other counties around the state. Through housing these out of county inmates, Sheriff Hillhouse estimates Henderson County brought in $1.2 million last year.

III. Crackdown on Game Rooms (14:09)

Game rooms around Henderson County returned in 2020, and the Sheriff's Office made a concerted effort to shut down illegal game rooms. Sheriff Hillhouse has said on multiple occasions these are dangerous places because of the criminal element they attract.

IV. 24-Hour Medical in the Jail (19:35)

The Sheriff's Office increased its medical coverage in the jail from 16 hours to 24 hours. This change is likely to save taxpayers money in the long run because deputies won't need to run inmates to see a doctor when there aren't nurses on duty.

V. Response to COVID-19 (22:38)

While we saved it for last, COVID-19 is really 2020's top story in the Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Hillhouse has been shifting manpower and working to keep the coronavirus out of the jail since March. They almost made it through the entire year, but had the first inmate turn up positive this month. The Sheriff has also institute some changes that may continue when the pandemic has ended.

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