Jailers maintain order in the jails along with supervising the processing of inmates. 

According to the Jailers Association website, each county jailer has custody, rule and charge of the county jail and all people in the jail. The jail must be kept comfortable, warm, clean and free from vile odors. Prisoners confined in the jail must have sufficient bed clothing, paid for out of the county levy.

At the time of booking, the jailer receives and keeps in jail all persons lawfully committed to their custody until they are discharged, unless prisoners are in need of emergency medical attention, in which case the arresting officer is required to obtain medical attention for them prior to their delivery to the jail.

A jailer must treat inmates humanely and furnish them proper food and lodging during their confinement.

Kentucky is the only state that elects jailers.

The Kentucky Jailers Association, formed in 1982, is made up of constitutionally elected jailers and appointed jail administrators in Kentucky.

The goal of the association is to form an organization to establish harmony of action, ensure protection and success, provide pecuniary support, secure protection and promote the best interests of the jailers in the state.

The Jailers Association Board of Directors is the governing body of the Kentucky Jailers Association. The board members are elected annually at the Kentucky Jailers Association summer conferences.

Kentucky Jailers Association