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Director Sharp to speak at national corrections conference

The director of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center has been selected to teach two courses at a national corrections conference occurring over the summer.

Regional Justice Center Director Chris Sharp will speak in August in Huntsville, Ala., and then in October in Plainfield, Ind., at JailCon22. JailCon22 is a program of the National Institute for Jail Operations that offers exclusive training for correctional command staff across the country.

“I am very humbled that I was asked to share information about what we are doing here in Chelan County that may be able to help other corrections facilities around the country,” Sharp said.

Sharp, who has served 22 years with the Regional Justice Center, joined the county team as a corrections deputy in 2000. He was promoted to chief of administration in 2019 and later appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to director in April 2020.

As an instructor, Sharp will share how to initiate a successful K-9 program to assist drug interdiction efforts. The Chelan County program is only the second county or municipal jail in the state to have a drug detecting dog. The K-9 program is in its second year and is used in conjunction with a mail screener and a body scanner in deterring narcotics from getting into the jail and its population.

Sharp also will discuss incentive programs for incarcerated populations that have resulted in fewer disciplinary problems for the local facility. The jail’s daily bed check inspection program, for example, relies on some creative thinking from the Regional Justice Center that uses popular incentives such as special dinners and television time to gain a high buy-in of cooperation from the incarcerated adults.

“My goal as director is to always strive toward creating a higher level of professionalism within correction facilities, ensure our staff is able to operate in the safest environment and transition the Chelan County Regional Justice Center to a premier facility respected throughout the state,” Sharp said.

Last Updated: 09/02/2022 08:45 AM

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  • 26
    Apr 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

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  • 24
    Apr 2024
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - April 24th, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

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  • 24
    Apr 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Entiat and North Wenatchee

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Wenatchee Valley Fire Station No. 11
  • 23
    Apr 2024
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Special Election Day - Manson Parks & Recreation District voters only

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

  • 15
    Apr 2024
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    Registration in person at our office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration Deadline in person at our office.