Canine units from five surrounding areas took part in a search of Culpeper County Jail Wednesday morning to ensure the facility was drug and weapon free.
During the operation, which was coined “Operation Jail Sweep,” police officers and deputies used 11 dogs to search the jail inside and out, as well as the exterior of Culpeper County Courthouse. No illegal substances or weapons were found.
The search marks the start of periodic searches to be conducted throughout the year, according to a release from Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office public information officer, Corey Byers. Sheriff Scott Jenkins in January appointed Capt. Leilani Stanley and Lt. Shawn Walters to oversee jail operations.
According to Byers, Stanley and Walters are currently reviewing and updating operation plans for the jail, which currently houses 74 inmates and has a 77-bed capacity.
“I want to start with a clean slate and know this jail is free of schedule I or II narcotics and any kind of explosive material,” said Walters. “We will conduct these searches periodically, more than what’s ever been done before.”
Walters said the searches will continue and that the goal is to maintain the safety of deputies, civilian employees and inmates.
In addition to drugs, Walters said the dogs can pick up scents on “bullets, gunpowder, flares” and other incendiary devices.
“Anyone entering the premises of the jail is subject to a search at any time,” Walters said. “Inmates caught with illegal substances will face criminal charges, additional jail time and loss of good time.”
The following agencies participated in the sweep: Town of Culpeper Police Department, City of Staunton Police Department, Front Royal Police Department, City of Manassas Park Police Department, Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. CCSO investigators were on scene to assist with the operations.
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