An impasse has been declared between Kern County and the union representing detention officers.It’s not about a contract, but over a plan to use low-skill detention aids in positions now held in the jail and receiving facility by officers. Union president Kevin Dees says detention aids have their place do not compare to academy graduates and using them in positions such as the control areas could be dangerous. He proposes expanding the use of detention deputies to relieve higher-paid sworn deputies to save money. He says they can transport inmates and other duties that don’t take a full-fledged law enforcement officer. The county wants to use more detention aids saying it would save $3 million a year, the matter will now be decided by a mediator.

Sean Michael Lisle