Safety remains a top priority at the Miller County Detention Center despite a loss of revenue in recent years.
"You are always going to have security issues in a jail. Some of these folks get really inventive. So we are always having to adjust our security measures. But I'm feeling pretty good about where we are at," said Miller County Sheriff Jackie Runion.
"We have done some maintenance to enhance security and stability and we have added some staffing," Runion said.
Since January, there have been numerous repairs and replacements at the detention center, including additions to the video system, replacement of exterior lights, repairs to six jail radios and a total repair of the psych cell.
On Dec. 18, 2016, an inmate attacked correctional officers Lisa Mauldin and Demaris "DeDee" Allen in the jail's kitchen. Both women were taken to Wadley Regional Medical Center where Mauldin died from her injuries.
Allen was taken to a Little Rock hospital with serious injuries but has since recovered and is now back at work.
Detention Center Warden Jeffie Walker said the tragedy has been a motivating factor in many of the changes at the detention center.
"It's for the safety and security of all of us. Staff and inmates," she said.
An upgrade to the video system has included placing a camera in the area of the kitchen where Mauldin and Allen were attacked.
"It's hard to have a camera at every angle but we did add some that gave us a more secure look at things," Runion said.
According to a report on expenses prepared by Walker, about $18,000 has been spent on the video system and gates.
The county has also hired 14 new correctional officers since January.
"We train them the way we want it done and it helps keep the community safe. We have a good team of officers who work together well and that has helped. The more staff you have, the more you can maintain." Walker said.
An additional security measure has been restricting the areas where state inmates are allowed to go. They are now designated to one area where their job assignments are, Walker said.
An issue for the past couple of years has been the rise in felony arrests, which has created more people awaiting trial. These inmates fill up the beds, meaning a decrease in the number of state inmates who could be filling that space. The county is paid about $30 a day for state inmates.
The Miller County jail has 300 beds and houses male and female felony and misdemeanor inmates awaiting federal, state or local trials or placement in penitentiaries across the nation. All suspects arrested on felony charges in the county are housed at the jail.
"We only have 300 beds and when those beds are filled, that's all we can hold," said Miller County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Mike McQuerrey.
Careful planning and spending help keep the detention center within its budget. As of August 1, $1,693,703 of the $2.9 million budget had been spent, which is about 42 percent and on proportion for the year, McQuerrey said.
Walker recently prepared a report showing needs for the jail. She said needs for jail maintenance include a fire alarm system, a video audio system, two hot water heaters, two institutional washers and a front and back gate system.
Lt. Alice Miller has worked as a corrections officer since the jail was still housed in the Miller County Courthouse.
She said the attacks in December were very scary but she never considered changing jobs.
"I love my job and the people I work with," she said.
The entire staff was thrilled when Allen returned to work recently.
"We were really excited to see her come back. With this staff, it's like a family affair and you are always ready to welcome your family back," Runion said.