Somerset County got a letter from the State Department of Corrections this week reinforcing the need for changes at the jail. The Commissioners have already responded to the letter with one of their own. In the state's letter, the Secretary of Corrections, Jeffrey Beard, gives the county credit for its good faith efforts already made. However Beard goes on to write the current investigation shows the urgency for taking immediate corrective action in resolving the jails extremely serious safety and security issues. The letter does not say the state will take court action against the county and the jail. But the State Corrections office tells Channel 6 News they'll do what's necessary to make changes. Beard also writes the counties participation in the Vulnerability Assessment process, that it's declined before, would show their commitment to safety at the jail.

Somerset County Commissioner, Jimmy Marker, tells Channel 6 News, "we do want that Vulnerability Assessment and also made him aware of the fact that we have asked Superintendent Rosemeyer to review all policies, procedures, and protocols at our county jail."

Marker doesn't know why the state wasn't notified earlier. He says they're eager to find out what changes need to be made. He says they've already begun recording surveillance video at the jail, tightening their policies on transporting inmates and stepped up patrols in the jail.

Marker says, "we're doing everything we possible can to make sure that these assaults are not continued and it's my belief that they're not being continued."

Marker says assessment of the jail and it's policies should take place in the next couple of months.