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PAINTSVILLE, Ky. — Following an escape back in March, the Department of Corrections is investigating the work release program at the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

Because of the investigation, the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center Board voted Wednesday night to restrict inmates from being signed out on work detail. Until the investigation is complete, inmates will only be allowed to work in or around the facility and a jail guard must be present.

“Once the investigation is complete, I would like to see us get to use the inmates for projects and cleanups in our community,” said Johnson County Board Member Zachary Branham.

The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center serves Johnson, Lawrence, Magoffin and Martin counties. Inmates are typically signed out to help with odd jobs around each county.

“I’ve had this position for two terms and this is my eighth year and this is the first instance I’ve ever had anyone to walk off from a detail,” added Johnson County Jailer Doug Saylor. 

Johnson County Sheriff Dwayne Price uses the work release program frequently. He says, it will be a huge loss to the sheriff’s office.

“There’s a certain individual that we use all the time,” said Johnson County Sheriff Dwayne Price. “If he’s not available, we’ll use someone else. But 99% of the time, we use the same guy. He’s very well-mannered, he helps out over here at the office. He’s good a filing papers. He helps us keep the place up, takes the garbage out. We’ve never had an issue out of him. So, he’s been a great asset to us. We pick him up two or three times a week.”

Those signed out for work detail are usually class C or class D inmates. Those in charge of those inmates are trained and certified to supervise.