INEZ, Ky. — Dedicated police patrols are set to return to the City of Inez through a new agreement with the Martin County Sheriff’s Department.
Several years ago, Inez dissolved its municipal police department. Under the new arrangement, a deputy from the sheriff’s department will be specifically assigned to patrol the city, providing an added level of law enforcement presence.
Inez Mayor Ed Daniels said the city has approximately $27,000 in Alcohol Beverage Control funds that must be used for law enforcement-related purposes. Since sheriff’s deputies already serve the area, city leaders decided to partner with the county to fund a dedicated patrol position.
“In this community you have what I would refer to as a retirement community,” Daniels said. “The people are older. They see people out walking at night.”
Some details of the agreement — including the part-time deputy’s pay and work schedule — are still being finalized.
Residents say they welcome the added presence. Misty Moffet, who works in Inez, said she cannot remember when the city last had a dedicated police presence.
“I just feel like it would make the place a little bit safer,” she said. “I would feel more comfortable to walk my dog alone.”
Under the agreement, the deputy will use a sheriff’s department vehicle and report to the county sheriff. City and county officials said they hope to have the patrols in place once the remaining details are finalized.