Q: You are well known for being visible in the community. Why do you think that is important?
A: I think it is important to be seen frequently and also that is how I receive feedback from the community. If there’s something we can do better, I want people to let me know, as partnerships with the community are important. It also gives me the opportunity to share how we’re policing and let the community know how they can help us make the community safer.

Q: What are some types of community engagement that your office participates in?
A: In the past month, I attended the grand opening of the pickleball courts in Julington Creek and some of my deputies and I have been outside Publix in Fruit Cove, RiverTown, and Nocatee. We hand out information and various SJSO items as we try to form relationships and bonds with the community. 

I also regularly speak to homeowners and condo associations. These are all unique and give me the opportunity to address specific issues based on their particular needs. I also visit civic organizations like Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs and Boy Scout troops. I coach football at multiple schools and this gives me the opportunity to talk to the parents of the athletes as well as the athletes themselves. I try to reach out to all ages. 

Q: What can you tell us about the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA)?
A: This is a 11-week course that meets each Tuesday evening from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and is offered twice per year. It gives an insider’s perspective on law enforcement and is designed to give participants a working knowledge of our office’s mission, operation, policies, and personnel. There is no charge for the academy, but class size is limited. There is more information on our website about dates and how to sign up to attend.

Q: How can organizations invite you to speak to their members?
A: My style is to lead by walking around, so visiting with organizations and community members is something I enjoy doing. Interested people should email me at sheriff@sjso.org or call our non-emergency number, (904) 824-8304 and ask for the office of the sheriff to schedule a visit from me. I can address a specific topic or give a kind of “State of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office” type of presentation.

Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: They can email me at sheriff@sjso.org or call me at (904) 824-8304. 

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