FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- Residents of Sebastian County recently voted to give the sheriff a third term.
Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck said he has several goals for 2015.
One major issue is the over-crowded jail.
“Anytime that the jail is over-crowded with state prisoners, it creates problems within the jail,” Hollenbeck said. “So it's imperative that we work closely with the state legislators and the governor this year to make sure that issue is actually addressed, finally."
The sheriff said mental health is another serious issue that must be addressed.
“We’ve also partnered with Western Arkansas Counseling,” he said. “We have their counselors come in and speak with inmates. We’re also going to -- this year -- attempt to contract with a psychiatrist to ‘up’ our game when it comes to mental health."
One program that he said will continue is called E-Academy, for deputies to take law enforcement courses. Those courses teach “everything from pursuit training, ethics training, firearms training, street survival training,” according to the sheriff.
“We can't do our job without the people, and the people certainly need law enforcement,” Hollenbeck said. “It's a partnership and I really hope that we can continue, and even prosper, in 2015."