White County Sheriff Steve Page beginning a new four-year term with a focus on drug enforcement, school safety, and maintaining a top-tier correctional facility. Page said the results of the recent election show that citizens have seen the success of the department’s work and want to see those efforts continue.
Page said he intends to pursue larger goals for the county over the next four years while seeking guidance through prayer.
“I want to make sure our county is safe no matter what it takes for that, because that’s of the utmost importance,” Page said. “And I think we can do that with the new commissioners that’s came in and our new County Executive, Kyle Goff, I want to congratulate him while I’m talking.”
Page said his administration has already achieved significant milestones, including the establishment of a jail that ranks among the top 10 in Tennessee. Page said he has focused on retraining deputies and administration staff to ensure the department operates with respect and helpfulness toward the public.
“I’m most proud that we have one of the top 10 jails in the state of Tennessee,” Page said. “I’m so proud of the the courteous deputies that I have out here working in the field every day.”
Addressing the ongoing drug crisis remains a central priority for the office. Page said he has assembled a dedicated drug task force team to combat the spread of illegal substances, specifically targeting fentanyl.
“We will fight the drugs as hard as we possibly can,” Page said. “We’re going to continue to fight as hard as we possibly can to make sure drugs is afraid even coming in our county.”
Page said the department is utilizing community tips and collaboration with surrounding sheriffs to monitor known drug houses and increase visibility. Page said he encourages residents to report suspicious activity directly to his office to help keep drugs away from children.
Regarding technology and privacy, Page said he has ordered the removal of Flock cameras in response to community feedback. Page said while those cameras are being taken down, the department will continue to use other tools, such as a donated drone, to assist in locating missing persons and apprehending fleeing felons.
“I never want to jeopardize anybody’s privacy in any way, so we’re going to continue to fight that and I will have to ask them to help me with that,” Page said. “Uh you know, there needs to be enough road deputies in this county to help make sure the county is safe.”
Page said school safety is another area where the department has seen major growth, moving from only two School Resource Officers to having an SRO stationed in every school. Page said these officers are receiving high-level training to ensure the protection of students and faculty.
“The safety of our children has to be a top priority at all times,” Page said. “We have SROs in every school, every school. They are trained as highly trained as they can possibly be and we’re working on more training for them.”
Page said he wants the public to understand that while his office enforces the law, the judicial system and the District Attorney control bond amounts and prosecution. Page said he will continue to present the department’s needs for staffing and equipment to the county commission as White County continues to grow.
“I want them to know that I appreciate them so so much,” Page said. “Join me in helping keep White County safe. If you see something say something. Make me aware of what’s going on so I can so I can address the issues.”