The state's sheriffs agree: The Clackamas County Jail is in good hands.In December, the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association (OSSA) named Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Capt. Mike Alexander (pictured) its 2011 "Jail Manager of the Year" -- recognizing him for achievements that included seeing the county's jail through a complex remodel and overseeing the adoption of a new healthcare system for inmates.
"Mike's dedication to the mission is amazing," said CCSO Undersheriff Dave Kirby. "As a jail manager, you juggle a ton of variables -- and that's complicated by the fact that our jail is an old facility. Capt. Alexander has accomplished efficiencies that have kept costs down while still serving staff and inmates."
"I was not expecting this award," said Alexander. "This is a humbling experience."
In a letter nominating Alexander for the award, Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts echoed Kirby's praises, writing: "Mike’s ability to maintain a positive attitude has had a great impact on Clackamas County Jail operations and the taxpayers of this county." The sheriff noted that the transition to a privatized healthcare model "felt seamless from most perspectives" -- and will save the county approximately $500,000 a year.
Roberts also praised Capt. Alexander's secure management of the extensive jail remodel -- which saw improvements to the jail's control room, lobby, sally port, video surveillance system, booking area, medical department, inmate educational areas, inmate cell blocks, and kitchen and release areas.
Kirby is especially pleased with the jail's enhanced medical facilities. "It was a big part of the remodel," he said. "We encounter many people with mental-health issues" -- as many as a third of jail inmates are estimated to suffer from some form of mental illness -- "and before the remodel, we only had four dedicated mental-health beds. We added 16."
Roberts wrote that Capt. Alexander also "worked with County Mental Health to establish a transitional system for inmates with mental-health issues so they can immediately continue their care in the community after being released from jail."
In an e-mail, Alexander made a point of sharing credit: "I couldn't have received this award without the phenomenal staff and deputies at the jail," he wrote. "While I may have good plans, not one would come to fruition without the dedicated team that supports me and makes my vision become reality."
A winning inspection
The award for Alexander comes at the same time the jail earned high marks during a Dec. 14-15 inspection by the OSSA -- led by Capt. Rai Adgers of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and featuring inspectors from five different counties and a state inspector from the Oregon Dept. of Corrections.
"We scored a 97.8 out of 100," reported Jail Administrative Lt. Lee Eby. "The inspectors were very impressed with overall cleanliness of the jail -- specifically with the kitchen -- and the number of medical services and quickness with which the jail supplies inmates.... They also commented on the new remodels and efficiencies, and conducted numerous inmate interviews.
"This, by the way, is one of many inspections we had in November and December," Eby continued. "We were inspected by a Grand Jury, the Fire Marshal, the Board of County Commissioners and an outside consultant evaluating the safety of the facility. Very busy."
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To learn more about the Clackamas County Jail, click here.