Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) -- The Washington County Commission has approved hiring a consultant to review policies and procedures at Purgatory Correctional Facility, where allegations of jailer misconduct have resulted in resignations and convictions.
The commission on Tuesday approved Sheriff Kirk Smith's recommendation to hire Gary DeLand & Associates to conduct the review of the policies DeLand helped draft 10 years ago.
DeLand was executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections from 1985 to 1992. His tenure with the state was marked by questions about his management style and accusations that he violated prisoner rights by limiting access to medical and mental health.
Deputy County Attorney Dave Patterson told the commission that DeLand agreed to do the job at a reduced rate of $150 per hour and not to exceed $10,000 for the entire project.
Judy Randall, a sheriff's deputy and former candidate for sheriff, asked about the hiring process and if the county considered other options before deciding on DeLand.
Undersheriff Bart Bailey said the sheriff sought the advice of the Utah Department of Corrections and other sources. He said the sheriff thought DeLand's professional services were the best fit for what the county needed.
Randall also questioned DeLand's role in drafting the current corrections policy for the county about 10 years ago.
Bailey said DeLand helped craft the policy, but it was reviewed and adjusted by county staff.
Randall asked why the county would hire the same person who helped craft the policy to review it.
Bailey said DeLand is not just reviewing the policy, but the staff's compliance to the policy.
Two former guards have pleaded guilty to custodial sexual relations. They were among five deputies investigated in alleged sexual relations with prisoners and persons on probation.
------
Information from: The Spectrum, http://www.thespectrum.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
