Layoffs Decimate Tunica County Sheriffs Department

TUNICA COUNTY, MS (Ben Caxton) — Budget cuts have forced reorganization at the Tunica County Sheriff’s office. 15 employees have been laid off including five administrative and reception positions, two part-time communication officers, five deputy sheriffs, and three jailers. Five additional positions were reassigned. This all comes after the sheriff asked for more than $8 million but received a budget of just $7.2 million from the board of supervisors. Shifts are being changed from eight to 12 hours, there will no longer be a 24-hour receptionist and the department will not be able to purchase any new vehicles. The department has already taken 18 patrol vehicles off the streets due to maintenance and safety issues, and Sheriff K.C. Hamp says losing five deputies will impact response time.

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