OUTREACH PROGRAMS
The Sheriff's Outreach Programs are a collaborative effort with local resources in connecting with and assisting the community in providing education to increase awareness about safety and security. Furthermore, the Sheriff's Office looks for opportunities to invest in the community in pursuing a better quality of life.
CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM
The role of the Crisis Intervention Program Specialist (CIPS) in regard to peer support will include the mental and physical wellbeing of our personnel. The Sheriff and CIP Specialist envision this position as the pre-eminent educator, mentor, and support system within the Sheriff’s Office and other agencies within Howell County. The direct access to a professional specializing in behavioral health will significantly improve knowledgeable resources in our community with mental health related interactions and community relations as a whole. Furthermore, having a specialized professional would assist in development and program management related to Law Enforcement wellness and resilience. Each of these elements are aligned with our ultimate goal of continually improving upon our community relations initiatives and meeting the specific needs of our area. It will not only benefit our ability to meet our community’s behavioral health needs, but will also improve the wellbeing of our Law Enforcement community.
CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD PROGRAM
The citizen advisory board is a group of individuals appointed by the commanding officer for the purpose of examining a public issue or set of issues, who meet over an extended period, and develop alternative solutions and new ideas through comprehensive interaction. Rather than being open to all members of the public, a citizen advisory board is restricted to a small number of individuals who are expected to represent the interests of the public. The Howell County Sheriff’s Office can utilize a citizen advisory board for advice and input on a myriad of issues. A board may be asked to conduct research, generate new ideas or solutions, or provide informed recommendations on certain strategies and practices.
RIDE-ALONG PROGRAM
The Sheriff's Office encourages community involvement in the law enforcement process and allows interested citizens to ride as an observer with Patrol Officer for educational reasons and concrete experience. The purpose of the Ride-Along Program is to encourage community involvement and to educate the public by opening up the lines of communication. The Ride-Along Program promotes a better understanding of the challenges, risks and rewards of the law enforcement officers role in the community. For those citizens with the desire to attend a Rid-Along, please submit the following form by mail or hand-carry the form to the Howell County Sheriff's Office.
D.A.R.E. PROGRAM
Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) is an education program that seeks to prevent use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs, and violent behavior. It was founded in Los Angeles in 1983 as a joint initiative of then-LAPD chief Daryl Gates and the Los Angeles Unified School District as a demand-side drug control strategy of the American War on Drugs.