FOP: Fayette County’s jail is dangerously understaffed. Act before people get hurt.

Over 20 years ago, city leaders decided to move the jail from downtown to a pasture on Old Frankfort Pike. A massive underground security bunker was constructed underground. On the surface, a grand stone structure was built resembling a majestic horse farm barn. The design was enormously expensive but had the effect of moving those incarcerated from the city’s center to a place—much more out of sight—and out of mind.

There were unintended consequences from this decision. The jail was no longer on the “radar.” City leaders no longer were paying attention to the incremental and growing staffing problems. The Fayette County Detention Center’s staffing crisis started long before we heard the phrase “Covid-19.” The pandemic only exasperated these conditions—causing them to grow from a crisis to an emergency. This is not hyperbole. It is the current reality and rapidly trending into more dangerous territory.

The following statistics reflect reality. The jail has a minimum, authorized sworn force of approximately 270 officers. It is presently short by about 100—roughly 1/3 of the minimum needed for safe staffing. An additional 20 officers are on FMLA leave or modified duty to illness and work-related injuries. So far in 2021, FCDC has lost 86 sworn professionals — a staggering percentage considering the total jail workforce. About ½ of new recruits leave within the first 18 months.

The massive exit has no signs of ending. Recently, the FOP sent surveys to our members. The responses reflect this reality: 90% viewed employee morale as below average/ poor; 66% had looked for other employment in the past 12 months; and, 50% thought it was likely/ somewhat likely they would leave within the year. When only 10% of your critical workforce feels good about going to work, this should flash “red alert” to every public safety agency.

The jail is dangerously understaffed. FCDC’s various custody units are not the typical 1-2 person cells you see in the movies. These are large housing units holding 90-100 violent criminals at a time—in the same room. Inmates are permitted to roam and mingle within the housing unit. There is often one corrections officer available to secure the entire housing unit. Before the staffing crisis became systemic, the same unit had a minimum of two officers to ensure the safety of inmates—and staff. Violence is on the increase. Just yesterday, our staff discovered three hand-carved shanks in the possession of multiple inmates.

The jail tried to solve the crisis by installing new security cameras in place of trained staff. This measure failed. The cameras only record the violence but do little to prevent or stop it as it happens. Our members fear and expect more instances of violent encounters, often resulting in life-changing injuries.

You may ask how does the staffing situation improve? The first step is to recruit new officers and retain those still working. The time has passed for hiring “jail consultants.” This tactic simply allows the proverbial can to “get kicked further down the road.” Two years ago, LFUCG budgeted $50,000 to hire “experts” to make recommendations. As far as I know, no consultant has graced the inside of the jail nor spoken to any of our members to inquire about improving conditions or resolving the myriad of compounding problems. This is a waste of time and taxpayer money.

Some may think “the jail is not my concern”; the problems appear contained beyond the sight of every subdivision and downtown condominium. That view is understandable. Most Lexington citizens have no interactions with corrections officers because they work underground and live elsewhere, unable to afford housing within the county. Even city leaders do not want to think or talk about the jail. This attitude is prevalent.

But what happens when the jail loses another 86 sworn employees next year? All evidence points in that direction. At a recent FCDC job fair, the jail received only one job application. Meanwhile, five left employment the same week. The math is not in our favor. With only a skeletal staff, FCDC has few options. We are near the breaking point where the only alternative will be calling in the KY National Guard or asking the courts to release hundreds of violent criminals into the community.

There is a state of emergency at FCDC. The jail is currently not a safe place to work. It is not a safe place for inmates to reside. We need city leaders to pay attention now before the problems are too far gone to fix.

Cpl. Michael Harris is president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Town Branch Lodge #83.

This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 1:03 PM.