The Daviess/DeKalb County Regional Jail is located in Pattonsburg, MO, just off of Interstate 35. A public open house held on Aug. 5, 2016, allowed citizens to see for themselves the condition of the jail and provided an opportunity to present this overview of facilities and jail operations as of 2016.

History of the Regional Jail

The Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail is the first of its kind in Missouri. In May of 2005 the Daviess and DeKalb County Commissions voted to form the jail district. The district is governed by the two counties Presiding Commissioners and Sheriffs. Presently serving are Daviess County Sheriff Ben Becerra; Daviess County Presiding Commissioner Randy Sims; DeKalb County Sheriff Wes Raines; DeKalb County Presiding Commissioner Harold Allison.

In November, 2005 the ½ cent sales tax was passed by the district. Collection on that sales tax began in April of 2006. The sales tax was used to retire the bond debt and continues to be used for operations.

The newly formed Jail District purchased Midwest Security Housing, a private facility located in Pattonsburg, for $3.5 million. The name of the jail was changed and the Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail opened on Feb. 15, 2006.

The jail also receives funds for renting out bed space to other agencies. Currently there are approximately 5 counties and 5 municipalities that are housing detainees at the jail.

Administration — The administrative offices have been remodeled. The Administration staff consists of: Ed Howard, Administrator; Gary Dowell, Assistant Administrator; Lori Burke, Administrative Assistant. On-Site L.P.N. Kelly Meinecke; Commissary Department Head Cathy Crabtree.

Regional Jail Administrator Edmond Howard views surveillance monitors in 2016 during a public open house at the Daviess-DeKalb County Regional Jail at Pattonsburg, MO.

The visitors’ room as it appeared in 2016 during a public open house at the Daviess-DeKalb County Regional Jail at Pattonsburg, MO.

Canteen — The Daviess/DeKalb County Regional Jail has a fully functional commissary department. All prisoners have access to a phone. Additionally, the Jail is equipped with Kiosks where inmates may purchase food and hygiene items, communicate with the Administration and request services such as medical. Skype/video visits are allowed.

Laundry — Laundry is done seven days a week. Three trustees help with the laundry and also help with maintenance tasks.

The laundry room as it appeared in 2016 during a public open house at the Daviess-DeKalb County Regional Jail at Pattonsburg, MO.

Medical — Medical has been moved for easier access near booking. The law library is also in this area. The Daviess/DeKalb County Regional Jail is equipped with an L.P.N. seven days a week, eight hours a day; five days a week. A facility doctor comes in once a week, and an on-call doctor is utilized 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The jail has a pharmacy that sends medication in by the bubble pack and utilizes a local pharmacy to access medication that is not of the facility’s protocol. The jail also has arrangements for outside dental practices to be performed when necessary.

Food Service — Food service has one main cook and two or three trustees. One of the Jail Administrator’s responsibilities is to ensure the detainees are offered a nutritious meal. To accomplish this, the Daviess/DeKalb Regional Jail sub-contracts the preparation of the meals. Currently CBM Managed Services prepares meals on site to help keep the costs down. The cost per meal is based on population of the jail and is currently $6.33 per detainee per day. CBM provides a 2,400 to 2,500 calorie diet to the prisoners housed at the facility.

— written by T.L. Huffman for the Gallatin North Missourian

A prisoner cell as it appeared in 2016 during a public open house at the Daviess-DeKalb County Regional Jail at Pattonsburg, MO.