TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office is getting concerned about its numbers.
Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado said they’re already operating at a minimum and they're getting spread even thinner as COVID-19 cases rise.
“We are in crisis mode here at the sheriff’s office," Regalado said.
As of Wednesday, there are 11 active cases within TSCO detention staff, three active cases in deputies and 2-3 deputies in quarantine.
While those numbers may not seem like a lot, Regalado said they are.
“A deputy can impact us in a negative way because we have to fill that spot and then backfill," Regalado said. "And so, really, when you lose one, you’re losing three.”
Regalado said they’ve spent close to $1 million on overtime so far and are now preparing for a worst-case scenario.
“Redirecting deputies to essential parts like patrol, courthouse security and, of course, the running of the jail," Regalado said.
When it comes to other local first responder agencies, as of Wednesday, the Tulsa Police Department told 2 Works for You 66 staff members are in quarantine. Tulsa Fire Department has 108 members under quarantine and 58 under self-monitor. The eastern division of EMSA has 11 team members in quarantine for COVID-19 and eight isolated for other illnesses.
“People do need to know that first responders, medical staff, things like that, we’re looking at some serious problems, especially if the infection rate goes up," Regalado said.
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