White County Sheriff’s Office working to launch its first-ever Sheriff’s Academy.
Lieutenant James Blankenship said the process has been in the works for some time. He said the purpose was for the citizens of White County to become familiar with the operations of the Sheriff’s Department as well as to increase the line of communication between the two.
“We want the citizens of the county to kind of see into our world and see what we deal with on a daily basis,” Blankenship said. “And for them to see what we do and why we do it. And why we do it, that’s to uphold the law.”
Blankenship said participants will be able to take a tour of the jail, tour schools with SROs, and also go through patrol instructions and traffic stops. He said participants can also get learn about clearing buildings, how law enforcement treats active shooter situations, death investigations, and the special victims unit.
Sergeant Dillard Dodson said the program is mutually beneficial for the public and the Sheriff’s Department.
“We want our citizens to know what it is we’re doing out there,” Dodson said. “To my understanding, they felt like it’s been hush-hush and the public doesn’t really understand what we’ve got going on throughout the county or what we’re doing. everyone benefits and feeds off of an understanding so they attend this class, they’re going to understand a lot of what we do and why we do it. Hopefully that will build a better community relationship.”
Blankenship said requirements for the program include between at least 21 years old with a clear background. As this is the first time the program is being held, there is not currently a deadline for applying.
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