Scott County, MN: Jail Operations and Staffing Analysis
Scott County, Minnesota, engaged Matrix Consulting Group to assess its Jail Division operations, focusing on staffing levels, shift scheduling, and facility efficiency. The study provided county leadership with a roadmap to improve jail operations, reduce staff burnout, and enhance safety for both personnel and inmates.
Challenge
Scott County Sheriff’s Office operated its jail with minimal staffing margins, relying heavily on mandatory overtime to maintain coverage. While staff remained committed and professional, the model was unsustainable, contributing to fatigue and retention challenges. Additionally, the facility’s layout and reliance on indirect supervision limited staff visibility and interaction with inmates, creating operational inefficiencies and supervision concerns.
Solution
Matrix Consulting Group conducted a comprehensive workload and scheduling analysis, reviewed incident data, and interviewed staff across all shifts. The team also evaluated the facility layout, classification systems, and intake processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
Key recommendations included:
- Adjusting shift structures to reduce reliance on overtime.
- Enhancing classification and housing assignments to align with supervision strategies.
- Introducing support positions to relieve pressure on custody staff.
- Implementing training and wellness initiatives to improve employee retention.
Outcome
With these changes, Scott County gained a clear path to modernizing its jail operations. By optimizing staffing strategies and improving facility management, the County is now better equipped to maintain a safe, efficient, and sustainable correctional environment.
