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Last week, a shakedown was conducted at the Escambia County Detention Center.

On Dec. 14, at approximately 5 a.m., Escambia county correctional officers, Escambia county deputies, and Baldwin county correctional officers conducted an early morning shakedown of the jail.

According to Sheriff Heath Jackson, more than 40 law enforcement officers secured the facility and conducted a search of the whole detention center.

Unlike the last search that took place on Feb. 9, 2019, not as many items were found among the inmates.

During the search, a small amount of fermented fruit, a small amount of tobacco, and two small handmade weapons were located. No cell phones were located. During the Feb. shakedown, 7 individuals were arrested for possession of numerous items including 13 cell phones, 4 weapons, 3 bags of tobacco, and 6 phone chargers.

“Although a few small items were located, I am proud of the overall lack of contraband found,” said Jackson. “The search shows that even though there is still work to be done, we are on the right track. Our corrections officers are working hard to keep illegal items out of our jail and to keep it safe,” added Jackson.

Looking back over the year, Jackson is proud of the progress made. “I am very proud that in the last 10 months, the officers have been able to change the way business was being conducted. Congratulations to the officers and the command staff on a job well done. I want to give a special thank you to Baldwin County Sheriff Hoss Mack for allowing us to utilize his correctional response team. We are very fortunate to have such good law enforcement neighbors,” concluded Jackson.