ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — Rockingham County announced Friday it has secured Law Enforcement Liability Coverage from Kinsale and Indian Harbor Insurance. You might remember, that Traveler's Insurance recently dropped the jail for its liability coverage.
According to a county news release, the coverage is for officers to perform without fear of adequate representation for split-second decisions while on duty.
The news release also stated, "Rockingham County found itself in a situation caused by multiple instances of the Sheriff's Department failing to adequately notify parties of incidents within the department."
Sheriff Sam Page said, "in all the years I worked as Sheriff, I've never had an insurance carrier or representative say, 'okay this is specifically what we need and how we need it.'"
The new coverage will cost the county more than double its previous coverage. Last year's premium was approximately $161,000. Now, it's approximately $351,000, which is a 118% increase.
Last year's deductible for the county was $10,000. Now, it's $200,000, which is a 1900% increase.
Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page said the previous provider recently asked the sheriff's office to change how it reports inmate deaths.
In a statement, Page explained the situation to the county commissioners writing, "In the past 25 years, there has never been a direct notification request made by our insurance carrier regarding inmate death notifications. We rely upon our Risk and Safety Officer, Chris Elliott, to be our liaison with the insurance carrier for all notifications. Under the most recent changes in insurance carrier notification, we have agreed and will honor their new request."
In the past three years, Sheriff Page said 11 inmates have died by suicide or drug overdoses, among other things.
The state said it found issues within the jail during annual inspections and Sheriff Page said his office has since dealt with them.
The cost of coverage came after the 2024-2025 budget was approved, forcing Commissioners to find funds to cover added costs caused by the Sheriff's Department.
For the upcoming year, Commissioners and Sheriff Page have found the Inmate Canteen Fund to cover the expense of the insurance increase. Canteen Fund revenues have increased rapidly in the past few years.
Funds are collected for movies, video games, text messaging, and snacks. The county says unfortunately funds for any deductibles that may be needed will further reduce funds available for services benefiting taxpayers. The increase is expected to be a multi-year issue, with the overall financial burden on the citizens that is unknown at this time.
Rockingham County Commissioner Mark Richardson said although enough money has been set aside to cover the policy for a while, it won't last forever, "Sheriff Page has found us some money that we hope will carry us through this year but we're gonna have to keep doing this until such time as the insurance company reduces our premium."
"There’s a possibility that after a period of time, Travelers — that is one of our insurance carriers may look at us and see how we’ve done, see the adjustments we’ve made and may give us reconsideration to come back in with the same insurance," Sheriff Page said.
Commissioner Richardson warned that if the county faces any incidents, the money may have to come from taxpayers.
It's something 90-year-old lifelong Rockingham County Resident, Fred Scales disagrees with.
"I don't think taxpayers should have to foot the bill, " Scales said. "I think we got the best law enforcement here in Rockingham County but with the county going up on taxes, and we have to pay for their insurance, I just don't think it's right."
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