As Sheriff of Scott County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention. Our office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families…both young and old.  It is imperative that we seek to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.

In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significant improvements in our County. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances.  Examples of our plans and objectives for this year include:

• Providing officers with the resources necessary to improve preparedness and response capabilities.
• Promoting the importance of Neighborhood Watch programs.
• Continuing our initiatives in specialized technical training and the latest crime-prevention measures.
• Protection of our senior citizens from acts of violence, neglect and fraud.
• Increased drug awareness through educational programs and services that will give individuals a fighting chance to lead more productive lives.
• Decreasing incidents of spousal and child abuse by further developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters and local organizations to provide counseling and support.

We are excited to announce the launch of the Iowa State Sheriff’s & Deputies’ Association Honorary Membership Program. County citizens will be receiving a special invitation in the mail shortly to become Honorary Members for as little as $25. Business memberships are also available starting at $50. This funding provides critically important training classes and resources, supporting the Iowa Special Olympics and providing smiles to our youth by sending them to a week-long YMCA camp.

There will be no phone solicitation with this membership program.