The Russell County Sheriff’s Office is working to address issues identified in a recent federal review of a grant awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice.
The sheriff’s office received more than $100,000 in federal funds, along with about $35,000 in local matching funds, through the COPS Hiring Program, which is designed to support law enforcement staffing.
A review conducted by officials with the U.S. DOJ over the summer found compliance concerns, including missing financial documentation, incomplete responses on performance reports, and administrative updates that need to be made.
Officials also raised questions about whether required local positions were filled and noted that some reported costs may not meet grant requirements.
The sheriff’s office has until Friday, September 26 to resolve the issues or face penalties including suspension of funds and/or repayment of the grant.
At this week’s fiscal court meeting, Sheriff Polston and office staff said they have been working to correct the issues outlined in the report and will continue efforts to address them ahead of the deadline. When questioned by Magistrate Mickey Garner, Polston expressed his support for his office staff.