Jerry Collins prepares to take over as LMDC Director

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – A U.S. Military veteran and former main for Louisville Metro Division of Corrections is about to steer the jail.

Jerry Collins will take over for Dwayne Clark, who announced his retirement on March 18.

Collins began his correctional profession as an officer at LMDC in 2000 and rose to the rank of main throughout his 21 years there. He most lately served because the jail commander for the Clark County Sheriff’s Workplace.

Collins stated his expertise made him conversant in the LMDC’s present points.

Five inmates have died in custody at LMDC thus far in 2022. These deaths embrace overdoses and suicides.

Collins stated a brand new physique scanner shall be put in on Friday to cut back the quantity of medicine within the facility, a part of new security measures introduced for the jail.

He additionally plans to extend psychological well being sources and screenings. He stated psychological well being challenges and drug habit are two issues which have elevated through the pandemic.

“Simply just like the neighborhood went via, there was elevated psychological well being points, there have been elevated drug points and opioid points,” he stated. “That manifests itself inside jails. While you’re coping with a big jail, you develop into the largest psychological well being facility locally and also you develop into the largest detox locally.”

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Collins is taking up on the Louisville Metro Division of Corrections from Dwayne Clark.

These challenges even lengthen to the employees, which is fighting recruiting and retention. The Fraternal Order of Police stated the jail has 149 open positions.

Collins stated the present management has already elevated social media presence, promoting, and salaries. Now, he needs to maintain staff as soon as they stroll within the door.

“I’ve by no means burned bridges and I’ve all the time tried to have relationships,” Collins stated. “That’s type of my management style- constructing relationships and investing within the folks. And I feel labor perceive that. I feel that’s an enormous half in rising that morale and rising that recruiting and retention.”

Collins is scheduled to take over the place on Monday, April 4.