COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners approved a request from the Sheriff’s Department Tuesday to hire a full time Corrections Officer which would be effective immediately.
There are currently 19 corrections officers. Commissioner Jon Houtz said the new hired officer would fill out a platoon that is currently short one officer.
The $25,000 to cover the position for the rest of the year will come from part time and overtime budgets.
Commissioners also approved a resolution which authorizes the county to submit a grant application to the Michigan Department of Corrections for a community corrections program. The application would be for fiscal year 2017.
The resolution said Branch County has an increased need for additional programs with a focus on the diversion of prison commitments and the prevention of recidivism.
