Jasper County Sheriff’s Office launches community outreach program

Jasper County Sheriff’s Office has launched a new program that leaders say will strengthen partnerships and trust between law enforcement and the community, and all the while enhancing support services all across the county. Sheriff Brad Shutts said connections with businesses, schools and residents are vital.

In a news release from the sheriff’s office on Sept. 10, it was announced the Community Outreach and Field Support Services Program was being developed. The program reflects the sheriff’s office’s commitment to proactive engagement, trust-building and responsive service.

The program is made possible through generous donations from community members and local partners in Jasper County. The sheriff’s office said these actions are a reflection of the shared commitment of Jasper County residents and law enforcement of building a safer and more connected community.

According the program’s mission statement, outreach and field support services will help public safety through engagement. The sheriff’s office strives to provide compassionate support, responsive resources and collaborative partnerships that address the needs of residents. It does this by fostering open communication.

Three key areas will be focused on by the program: community outreach, field support services and partnership development.

Community reach consists of relationship building through events, education and ongoing engagement with residents of all ages. Sheriff Brad Shutts explained in a follow-up with Newton News that these events can be anything from the annual National Night Out festivities to hosting Halloween events at the sheriff’s office.

Field support services consists of offering compassionate, responsive assistance during emergencies, crises and community needs. Shutts said a big example of field support services is the partnerships with Crisis Canines of the Midlands and the therapeutic qualities the dogs can have on residents and first responders.

Partnership development involves collaborating with schools, local organizations and service providers to connect residents with vital resources. The sheriff’s office has devoted two school resource officers to area schools, and it regularly works with organizations like Capstone Behavioral Healthcare for help in a crisis.

The sheriff’s office is committed to ensuring public safety includes both law enforcement and community support. By working through this program, the sheriff’s office said its deputies can continue working alongside citizens to create a safer, healthier and more connected Jasper County.

Developing community outreach events or programs is something the sheriff’s office has always strived for. Shutts said previous sheriffs have made community outreach a focus and have built strong relationships with the residents of Jasper County. Shutts pointed to school resource officers and Crisis Canines.

“Recently, we joined a human trafficking task force,” Shutts said. “Those are just some of the things and the programs we’ve built partnerships with that are really community outreach based. We just wanted to put it under one hat, so to speak. And really add onto our field support services.”

Shutts added that some community outreach tools or related resources or items require funding, which is where donations come into play. The sheriff said many of these resources are not paid – and, to him, should not be paid – with tax dollars. For instance, the sheriff’s office is looking at buying a cooling trailer for events.

Why is community outreach so important? Shutts said a law enforcement agency cannot be successful if it doesn’t have the support of its community.

“Building those relationships and being comfortable speaking to law enforcement is vital,” he said. “We want to have transparency and we want to let them know we’re not going to be there on their darkest day like what most likely happens when they encounter us. We’re people. We’re human. We have families.

“We have hearts, too. We can be a resource for them and they can be a resource for us, too, if needed.”

To learn more about the Community Outreach and Field Support Services Program or to learn about making a donation, contact Shutts at 641-792-5912.

The program’s full mission statement reads:

“The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach and Field Support Services Program is dedicated to building trust, strengthening relationships and enhancing public safety through proactive engagement with our communities. We strive to provide compassionate support, responsive resources, and collaborative partnerships that address the needs of our residents. By fostering open communication, offering critical field support and promoting education and awareness, we are committed to creating a safer, healthier, and more connected Jasper County for all.”