Crews says he wants the community to measure him by the absence of crime.
by Kathy Foster
In office since January of 2017, Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews said Tuesday night that burglary rates in the county have been reduced by two-thirds in the past year.
Addressing members of the Chipley Satellite Kiwanis Club earlier this week, Crews said while Washington County is not immune to drug problems, law enforcement is continuing to take a firm stand against drug usage and drug offenders. He said there have been more than 250 drug arrests in the past year and there will be more.
Noting that no community these days is immune to drug problems, whether they know it or not, Crews said so many other problems evolve from drug problems, including burglaries and he is pleased to see those numbers decreasing in Washington County.
Crews was also pleased to report that reinstatement of the 5th grade DARE program in the county’s public schools is another high point of his first year as sheriff. Crews was pleased the program is having a positive impact on students and said it will continue.
Commenting on the School Resource Officer program in place in the county schools, Crews said everyone is “on board” to keep the program in the school system.
Crews said while the SROs may do more “social work” than “law enforcement” at the elementary school level, they are working with the students and learning their problems and concerns.
Crews also mentioned the following:
- A week-long summer camp hosted by the Sheriff’s Department at the Florida Panhandle Technical College. Applications for the camp are available at the Sheriff’s Office and area schools.
- Involvement in the Farm Share food distribution program that makes food available to families in need. Crews said one food giveaway was carried out by the Sheriff’s Department and another is planned.
- The department has a ‘Home Check’ program for those going on vacation. All you have to do is register with the Sheriff’s Department.
- If you have a family member with reoccurring health issues, you can register them with the Sheriff’s Department so that should department personnel be called to the home they know the situation.
- And, you can let the Sheriff’s Department know if you have an elderly family member who should be checked on.