Bell County Sheriff’s Department
Eddy Lange, Bell County Sheriff, reported on changes within the Sheriff’s Department including updated uniforms, bullet-proof vests and tasers. The tasers electronically maintain records of use.
Chief Deputy Chuck Cox said that Sheriff Lange was the third sheriff he has worked for and he has seen significant changes in the department. Deputy Cox reported on the six divisions to the department including Patrol, Emergency Services, Support Services, Criminal Investigations, Special Crimes, and the Correctional Division.
The Patrol Unit has 25 officers who responded to 36,709 calls in 2013. Of the 36, 709 calls, offense reports were filed on 2,315.
The Emergency Services Unit has 10 officers and the Support Services Unit has 15 officers. The Support Services Unit processed 5290 documents last year and issued 3812 warrants.
The Criminal Investigations Unit’s 10 officers processed 1667 cases in 2013 with 72 going to a jury.
The Special Crimes Division, headed up by Michelle Cianei, prosecuted 159 sex offenders in 2013.
The largest division is the Correctional Department with 210 officers. These officers are responsible for securing 11, 521 inmates in 2013 with an average prison population of 638.