Being committed to the community is what I built my bid for sheriff around. I have a passion for the people that I share this county with, and I want to make our county a better place to live, and to raise my family. I love when I meet other people who share that vision, and I got the chance to do that recently.
 
I visited the Lupton Junior High School, and got to hear and spend time with the 7th graders as the presented community service projects. I was floored by the thoughtfulness and passion they shared with each presentation. They had vision for service projects that benefited others, and helped to make others’ lives that much better. Our students are some of the brightest and most caring individuals, and I can’t wait to see what they do in the future. We can all take a page out of their books, and take a moment to help others in need.
 
Today, do something for someone else. Don’t expect anything in return, and see what good things come from it. Sometimes the best blessing is to be a blessing to someone else. Take a moment today and do something, however small it may be, and be kind to someone else!

Project Appleseed returned to the WCSO range this past week, marking its fourth event at the current venue.
 
Project Appleseed is a national non-profit program that teaches the fundamentals of rifle and pistol marksmanship combined with the storytelling of American Revolutionary War history. Their events are family friendly and designed for all ages and experience levels.
 
This program spreads the message of freedom and liberty through developing marksmanship skills of its participants. Sheriff Smith is proud to provide the venue for this fantastic program, and we encourage everyone to take part, as Project Appleseed is a great way to meet like-minded patriots, and have a fun and safe time enjoying the 2nd amendment.

Investigators have been busy these past few weeks, developing leads, and following up on open cases. One open case is closed today, following the arrest of Zachary Trey Cordell, age 31 of Oakman, for theft of property in the first degree, and unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle.
 
A vehicle was burglarized, and among the items stolen were a firearm, and over $3,000 in cash from a vehicle in the Oakman area. After following up on leads, tips, and other information, a suspect was developed. The firearm was eventually recovered, and the suspect was taken into custody.
 
Investigator Reeves’ work on this case highlights the ongoing commitment to ensuring that our citizens can live in a better Walker County. We thank Investigator Reeves for his hard work, and look forward to what the restructured investigations division will accomplish.

Any indication of an arrest does not imply guilt. All suspects are presumed innocent, until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff’s Office Investigators have arrested Steven Ray Blair, age 45 of Jasper, for receiving stolen property.
 
Investigators followed up on a report of stolen items from the north side of Walker County. Investigator Parkhurst developed and followed leads as to the whereabouts of the stolen property. The theft suspects were identified, and the property was recovered at a residence on Bird Farm Road in Jasper. After recovering the property, the suspect was located at a later date, and charged with receiving stolen property in the 4th degree.
 
We thank Investigator Parkhurst for diligently following leads, and recovering stolen goods. This is a fine example of good police work, and we’re proud to have Investigator Parkhurst as part of our team. If you have any information on the location of stolen property, submit your anonymous tips via the WCSO app.

Any indication of an arrest does not imply guilt. All suspects are presumed innocent, until proven guilty in a court of law.

When Sheriff Smith ran for office, his platform included staunch support of the 2nd amendment. So much so, that he pledged regular and free use of the WCSO firing range to any person that wants to come. That is exactly what has happened.
 
For the last few years, our range has been open to the public on the last Saturday of every month, and on special days, like this past Saturday. We host an open range day, just for hunters, where they can come to sight in their rifles for the upcoming deer season. Our certified firearms instructors were on-site to assist, and make sure everyone stays safe.
 
Your next chance to stop by will be November 30th! We’ll see you then.

Sheriff Smith has made financial transparency a priority over the years, and we’re glad to report that we are expanding the monthly reporting.
 
In October, the WCSO spent:
$396,781.40 for Sheriff’s Office Operations
$397,296.50 for Jail Operations, and Inmate Medical
 
Now, anyone can see every line item within the WCSO budget, and see year-to-date spending for each category. By visiting the WCSO spending tab, you can see exactly where and how the WCSO is spending your tax dollars.
 
To fully understand these numbers you need to know a few things about the WCSO and Walker County. Firstly, the fiscal year starts in October. That means this is the first month of the fiscal year that we are providing figures for, and the budget items are for the entire year, so these funds will be depleted over the fiscal cycle. Secondly, the jail operates with a two separate funds, which the general fund monies are more easily accessible for daily needs and operation. The second fund is called the 107 fund. This fund was created for jail funding and construction, and these funds can only be earmarked for certain maintenance, inmate, and facility needs.
 
Lastly, these numbers are for the public to regularly inspect, and be a useful tool for knowing how your elected officials are spending the money entrusted to them. To our knowledge, we are one of, if not the only, sheriff’s office, in Alabama, that provides readily available access to this type of information. That is a dedication to transparency like no other.

This past weekend, members of the WCSO patrol and reserve divisions escorted the Children’s Hospital Poker Run through Jasper. As this event serves a great cause, we came out in force to support giving Christmas Cheer to a child in need!
 
We had 5 members of the reserve division to assist, and we appreciate their help! The reserve division is an unpaid, volunteer unit that helps on patrol, in the jail, at our schools, and anywhere else we can plug them in! If this is something that interests you, be sure to stop by the office and fill out an application. Narcotics Reserve Justin Kelley is over the Reserve Unit, if you see him out and about, he would love to talk to you about our Reserve Program!
 
Thank you to all of our reserves that assisted, but most of all, thank you for your support, Walker County!

Overnight, the investigations team were conducting concentrated patrols in the Empire area, when they observed a vehicle on Empire Road.
 
Investigators attempted to stop the vehicle, but it failed to yield, and led investigators on a pursuit through the Empire, Corner, and Arkadelphia areas. The driver attempted to evade on foot, however our investigators were able to take the driver into custody without further incident.
 
Warrants will be obtained for the driver, and more information will be released as it becomes available.

Your WCSO is working towards accreditation. This means that our policies and procedures are reviewed by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). CALEA serves to ensure high levels of professionalism, and alignment with up-to-date case law standards. By becoming an accredited law enforcement agency, it accomplishes a multitude of very positive tasks.
 
First and foremost, it aligns our standard operating procedures to widely accepted, and case law driven practices. This means that our operational, interview, and detainment practices are within the scope of what is permissible through local, state, and federal law, as well as legal precedent. This allows for a second set of eyes on what we set as the standard in our department, allowing for more accountability at all levels.
 
This accountability is the second thing that accreditation offers our department. CALEA ensures a strong on-boarding process, and field training program, where recruits are put through one-on-one training while on-the-job. This ensures every action our deputies take is rooted in policy, training, and law.  
 
Thirdly, accreditation is not a one-and-done event. To be accredited is to have constant review and updates to how the WCSO operates in all capacities. This policy mandates everything from uniform wear, to handcuffing and arrest tactics. Having the most relevant procedural manual ensures that our department is shielded from undue liability.
 
That brings us to another great thing that accreditation can do: it reduces liability and can even lead to savings to the county on insurance premiums. By adhering to the strictest and most relevant policy available, it reduces liability to the deputy and to our department. In a world where the public is highly informed, and can get information in an instant, it’s increasingly more important to earn, and keep trust between our office, and the people we serve.
 
Accreditation serves to be a huge steppingstone forward for our agency. CALEA certified agencies are committed to excellence and accountability, and that has been Sheriff Smith’s vision from the start. This journey of accreditation began under now retired Chief Anthony Leach. Current Chief Deputy Ralph Williams has picked up the mantle, and attended the CALEA conference this week. We look forward to continuing this venture, and becoming one of only three Sheriff’s Offices in the state of Alabama to achieve this. We’ve been working towards this for the last year, but it usually takes 36 months, on average, to become a certified agency. Tune back in, because we’re full steam ahead!

Members of the WCSO clerical, explorer, and reserve unit participated in the Oakman Veteran’s Day parade. The float showcases red, white, and blue elements, and even a bald eagle costume!
 
The trophy for second place followed us home, but we aren’t here for show! We place gratitude on those who served, and those who didn’t make it home. We honor our veterans! Thank you for your service, and thank you for supporting this office!