SHERIFF SMITH RELEASES 2024 STATE OF THE OFFICE ADDRESS

 As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the significant accomplishments our office has achieved over the past year. Despite facing numerous challenges, we have persevered and emerged stronger, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our team and the support of the Walker County community.
 
This year, we galvanized our commitment to public safety, enhanced our community outreach efforts, and implemented innovative programs that have made a significant, and tangible difference in the lives of Walker Countians.
 
We have made large strides in improving our patrol fleet, purchasing better equipment, adding training, enhancing departmental infrastructure, and drastically reducing recidivism. At the same time, we maintained a positive and active presence in the community.
 
Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission be the capstone of law enforcement, and a forerunner of public safety. We will continue working hand in hand with our residents to create a safer and better Walker County for our children, and future generations. Thank you for your continued support of our office, and to making Walker County a better place to live.
 
Below are highlights from 2024:
 
Serious Crimes and Recidivism:
Addressing concerns about repeat offenders remained a priority. We implemented programs targeting the root causes of recidivism, yielding measurable success:
 
2022: 1,891 arrests; 256 re-arrests; 925 felony offenses.
2023: 1,321 arrests; 159 re-arrests; 743 felony offenses.
2024: 1,088 arrests; 110 re-arrests; 662 felony offenses.
This steady decline in arrests and re-offenses demonstrates the effectiveness of our efforts. By equipping inmates with the tools needed for reintegration and reinforcing law enforcement efforts, we are making a real difference in collaboration with our partners and outreach programs.
 
Fleet Upgrades:
We enhanced our capabilities with the addition of 12 new Ford F-150 patrol units, evenly distributed between patrol and investigations.
 
Community Engagement:
 
•Added a new School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Walker County Center of Technology (WCCT) through a partnership with the Board of Education.
•Graduated over 300 students from the reinstated D.A.R.E. program.
•Hosted a countywide Fentanyl Awareness Campaign (January–March 2024).
•Introduced school-themed vehicles for SROs to foster pride and comfort among students and faculty.
•Sheriff Smith and SRO Miller were recognized by the Uvalde Kids Foundation for exemplary school safety efforts.
•Partnered with Project Appleseed to provide public firearm safety courses.
•Launched several Neighborhood Watch programs.
 
Organized community events, including:
•Drug take-back programs for safe prescription disposal.
•An Easter egg drop in Sipsey.
•Yerkwood’s annual cleanup day.
•Supported local festivals and parades, earning placements in:
•Veteran’s Day Parades: 2nd in Oakman, 1st in Jasper.
•Christmas Parades: 1st in East Walker and Oakman, 3rd in Jasper.
•Equipment and Training
•Distributed Axon body-worn cameras to all deputies and jail staff.
•Added two K-9 deputies specializing in firearm detection.
•Graduated three deputies from the police academy.
•Ensured all deputies completed:
•Sensory training through Kulture City.
•Implicit bias training.
•Fit-for-Duty training and review.
•SROs completed annual active shooter training.
•Secured a $5,000 grant for SRO entry tools and bags, which will be distributed in 2025.
Jail Improvements
•Implemented 24/7 medical coverage in the jail.
•Developed a new jail policy manual in collaboration with NIJO.
•Conducted a two-week jail academy led by NIJO instructors.
•Earned recognition as a Level One Treatment Facility for drug addiction.
•Established Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) classes.
•Partnered with recovery organizations to provide continued care for inmates post-release.
•Facilitated free eye exams and glasses for inmates through a partnership with the Lions Club.
•Transported the highest number of inmates to rehab facilities with minimal failures.
•Over 100 inmates were baptized through jail ministry programs.
Infrastructure Enhancements:
•Installed new radios and health monitors in the jail booking area.
•Added 20 cameras to improve oversight in booking and disciplinary dorms.
•Secured funding for Smartboards to support inmate educational programs.
•Acquired new handheld radios for corrections staff.
•Transparency in Spending
•In a commitment to accountability, we made the Sheriff’s Office spending reports available online for public review each month.
 
Teambuilding:
•Won the WCCA bowling tournament and a community softball tournament.
•Organized the inaugural Sheriff’s Fitness Challenge in partnership with Carbon Hill High School’s football team.
 
Crime Statistics:
Calls for Service: 15,182
Domestic Incidents: 212 physical, 249 verbal.
Theft Calls: 508
Traffic Stops: 2,943
Vehicle Pursuits: 27
Overdose Calls: 41
Animal Cases: 55 abuse, 173 complaints.
Altered Mental Status Calls: 169
Murders: 3, all resulting in arrests.
 
Litter Program:
Inmates participating in the litter program collected over 18,000 bags of trash from roadways and public events, demonstrating the value of this initiative for community improvement.
 
This year has been a testament to hope and change, particularly in our fight against addiction and recidivism. I am proud of the progress we’ve made and the hard work of the entire Sheriff’s Office team. As we look to the future, I remain confident that, together, we can continue to make Walker County safer and stronger.
 
Thank you for your support and trust in our efforts.