Klemetsrud leads LEC

The Lake Region Law Enforcement Center (LEC) has a new interim director.

Starr Klemetsrud, who has worked at the LEC for over two decades as the 911 coordinator and deputy director, took over the position following the resignation of Rob Johnson.

A native of the Devils Lake region, Klemetsrud takes the reins amid the jail's ongoing struggle with staffing and training levels.

This summer, the LEC was downgraded to a Grade 3 facility, making it incapable of handling inmates for more than 96 hours. Their struggles have impacted some sentencing decisions within their service area, including in Eddy County.

Now, however, Klemetsrud says some progress has been made. She said the jail now has up to 14 line staff, two lieutenants and a captain - enough to upgrade the facility to Grade 1, and allowing them to hold up to 50 inmates with no time limit.

Despite her many years of experience at the LEC, Klemetsrud says she's essentially learning on the job as director.

Nevertheless, she's hoping that in her time as interim director, however long that may last, the jail will be able to continue on an upward trajectory.

Among her goals, she said, is to keep the recovery center fully staffed, to continue the implementation of a new CAD (computer aided dispatch) program, and to keep the jail compliant with state regulations.

The jail will face a major test this week as the N.D. Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is due to conduct the jail's annual inspection.

Klemetsrud said the LEC's board will begin searching for a new director following the upcoming November elections.