Behind the Bars: Insights from a Sergeant at Coos County Jail I'm Sergeant Gill from the Coos County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division, with 12 years of service here, including 8 years as a sergeant. Each day underscores the vital role we play in our community. What sets our jail apart from many others in Oregon is that shift supervisors like me aren't desk-bound; we're on the front lines, handling floor duties right alongside our team. This collaborative style fosters deep relationships and a shared commitment to safety. Operating a facility like ours comes with real challenges, particularly as we navigate ongoing shifts from state laws and judicial rulings. We no sooner master one adjustment than another hits. Take SB48, for instance, which requires releasing inmates charged with specific offenses. Fortunately, our presiding judge, the Honorable Martin Stone, has outlined criteria that let us override SB48 when certain conditions are met, opening doors to detain individuals we'd typically have to release. It's a valuable option, yet our reality tempers it: designed for 250 inmates, budget shortfalls and funding gaps limit us to 49 beds. We often run near 50, compelling daily heart-wrenching decisions on emergency releases. The community's frustration mirrors our own; it's a constant balancing act we all shoulder. People often misunderstand life inside a jail like ours, especially with the high rates of homelessness and mental health issues straining our limited resources. We deal with extreme behaviors: nonstop screaming and door-pounding that can last days; inmates using feces as "war paint" or projectiles, along with urine; threats against us, our loved ones, or themselves—some tragically acted upon. This is our unvarnished daily grind. Still, in the midst of it all, I couldn't be prouder of our dedicated staff. They return every day, driven to effect change, whether it's preparing a simple peanut butter sandwich for a starving newcomer late at night or patiently conversing through a cell door to ease someone's psychotic episode. Today, we're multifaceted: enforcers, counselors, and mentors imparting essential life skills, all while safeguarding inmates and the public. To our Coos County community, we appreciate your support. And to my outstanding colleagues at the jail, your perseverance continually motivates me. We're not just a jail; we're a crucial community support system. Stay vigilant! #CoosCountyStrong #BehindTheBadge