The Callaway County Sheriff's Office investigated an average of 1.4 domestic disturbance cases per day in 2016.
According to Sheriff Clay Chism, that's too big of a caseload for its one domestic violence investigator. On Thursday, he told Callaway County commissioners he'd like to request money for a second investigator for this year's Violence Against Women Act grant application.
"In 2011, we first applied for the VAWA federal grant that would green light a domestic violence investigator program," he said.
With that money, plus a 25-percent matching amount paid by Callaway County and the cities of Fulton and Holts Summit, the sheriff's office selected Lt. Matt Palmer as the county's first domestic violence investigator. He served in that capacity from 2011 to the beginning of 2017; investigator Bettina Sweede has since taken over the position.
"We get high performance reports (about) her," he added.
Chism said it's now time to re-apply for the grant for 2018-19. He sought the commissioners' permission to request funds for a second officer.
One reason is the high volume of cases the domestic violence investigator handles. Under the terms of the grant, the investigator aids the sheriff's office, Fulton Police Department and Holts Summit Police Department with cases. So far this year, the three departments have handled 401 domestic disturbance cases.
"That's more than one a day," Eastern District Commissioner Randy Kleindienst pointed out.
Additionally, Chism said, legislative changes mean some domestic violence-related crimes formerly classified as misdemeanors are now felonies. Felonies involve more time in court and thus more work per case for the domestic violence investigator. In addition to collecting evidence, the investigator helps victims prepare to testify, among other things.
"This is one of the main issues I'm raising," he said. "The time per case is enormous. One of the biggest challenges is keeping the victim on board throughout the prosecution case."
A good domestic violence investigator helps make sure that happens, he said.
Chism said the total cost for two investigators over two years would be $215,990.74 including benefits. As that's a preliminary number subject to change, he plans on requesting $218,000 in the grant.
Presiding Commissioner Gary Jungermann stressed this wouldn't create any additional costs for Fulton or Holts Summit.
"If we get the second one, we don't feel like we should ask the cities for more help," he said.
Callaway County plans on covering the matching amount - less than $15,000 per year - for the second officer. This is less than half the cost of hiring another deputy, Kleindienst pointed out.
"I think that's a bargain deal as a county, to get these services," Jungermann said. "It's a service we have to provide, and if you've ever been a victim, you can understand why."
The commissioners voted unanimously to approve Chism's request and allow him to submit the grant application. Chism will likely receive a response near the end of the year, and will fill the second position as quickly as possible if the extra money is awarded.