State allows Hennepin County to increase jail population following hiring spree

Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office swore in 99 new detention deputies, achieving full staffing for the first time since 2020. Sheriff Dawanna Witt highlighted this as a record number for the department. The state of Minnesota lifted restrictions on the jail population, aiding in the county's efforts to save over $2 million spent on housing inmates in other facilities this year. However, the jail continues to face additional oversight due to previous violations of legal standards regarding well-being checks, which resulted in multiple deaths. Witt emphasized the increased pay for new hires and the streamlined application process as key factors in attracting candidates.

The sheriff's office also introduced specialty units, such as a dive team and a police dog unit, to enhance job appeal. Despite the staffing improvements, questions remain about potential overtime budget overruns. A recent study found that the agency exceeded its overtime budget by an average of 50% from 2018 to 2023.