The Washita County Sheriff’s Office has seen significant improvements and expansion over the past two years, thanks to state and federal grants, increased jail revenue, and ongoing investments in infrastructure and public safety, according to Sheriff Kevin Rozell.
On Jan. 1, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office received a $250,000 Sheriff’s Assistance Grant. The funding was used to purchase patrol vehicles, cover maintenance and operational costs, develop a new website for the Sheriff’s Office, replace radio repeaters with digital systems, and purchase new firearms for deputies. The Sheriff’s Office received the same $250,000 grant again in January 2026 and expects to continue receiving the grant annually. Future funding will be used to further upgrade vehicles and address ongoing departmental needs.
Several improvements have also been made at the Washita County Jail. Recent upgrades include replacing the mini-split air conditioning unit in the server room, installing emergency lights in the booking area, replacing a garbage disposal, repairing the Vulcan griddle and walk-in cooler, installing a new water heater, purchasing a new ice maker, and acquiring six new PCs for jail staff. Additionally, the jail received a $54,000 donation of 398 brand-new mattresses from CoreCivic Prison in Watonga. Each mattress would have cost the county $298.42, resulting in substantial savings.
Dispatch operations have also benefited from upgrades. The department purchased four new PCs, new repeaters, and a new printer, and transitioned from analog to digital repeaters. A $20,000 grant was awarded to replace the E911 recorder used to record all 911 calls. The Sheriff’s Office is currently applying for an $84,731 grant through the 911 Authority to replace two outdated dispatch consoles. These upgrades are expected to greatly enhance the quality and reliability of communication services. Despite the improvements, staffing remains a challenge. Dispatch is currently staffed with five dispatchers, down from eight prior to a county budget shortfall. The department requires two dispatchers to be on duty at all times, but current budget constraints do not allow full staffing.
The Washita County Jail continues to house inmates from Canadian, Custer, Kiowa, and Comanche counties. A renegotiated contract with Comanche County now brings in $50 per inmate per day. From Jan. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office generated $151,947 through inmate housing. That figure rose to $462,222 in 2025, and Sheriff Rozell estimates jail revenue will reach $1,688,400 in 2026. This marks an increase of more than $1.5 million since 2024.
While revenue has increased, Sheriff Rozell noted the additional costs associated with housing an average of 125 inmates daily. Increased staffing and improved pay for detention officers are needed. The jail has hired a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to oversee inmate medical care. The growing inmate population has placed a strain on jail infrastructure, including the need for a jail lock control system estimated to cost up to $400,000. Additional infrastructure needs are estimated at $20,000, with ongoing monthly costs of approximately $5,000. Infrastructure needs are continually assessed and addressed as resources allow.
The Sheriff’s Office also received a $12,000 Highway Safety Grant aimed at addressing speeding violations. Deputies will focus on speed enforcement and participate in national safety campaigns such as “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Grant funds will be used to cover deputy overtime associated with these enforcement efforts.
Sheriff Rozell emphasized that, while progress continues, balancing growth, safety, staffing, and infrastructure remains an ongoing challenge for the department as it serves Washita County residents.