Guest Column: Sheriff welcomes citizen involvement

Guest Column: Sheriff welcomes citizen involvement

David B. Shoar, Sheriff
St Johns County, FL

This month I would like to draw attention to our Sheriff’s Advisory Council here at the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

This is just one way that citizens work closely with me, and other members of your Sheriff’s Office, to promote the essential partnership between this office and our communities.

Each council, known as a “ShAdCo”, serves as an information exchange between citizens and law enforcement. Regularly scheduled meetings offer residents an opportunity to communicate directly with the command staff and deputies on issues of importance to their own neighborhoods. These councils provide an opportunity to develop mutual understanding and encourage community participation in the development of Sheriff’s office programs, as well as policy considerations.

This program not only demonstrates a full accountability to county residents, but also serves to reduce the fear of crime in our communities.

St Johns County spans over 600 square miles and each district presents unique issues.
The advisory councils have been established in the different areas of the county to address specific problems and find solutions in those areas. These volunteers work closely with the Sheriff’s Office and participate in meetings. They receive information concerning the latest efforts from our office and provide feedback and advice on how the agency can improve the delivery of services to their neighborhoods.

Two of the fastest growing areas of the county, the northwest and northeast, each have a ShAdCo. Any county resident that is over the age of 18 is encouraged to apply to be a member of the Sheriff’s Advisory Council.

Commander Brian Lee leads the Advisory Council in the Northwest section of the county. They meet on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Julington Creek Annex, 725 Flora Branch Blvd. You can reach Commander Lee by email at bclee@sjso.org, or by phone at (904) 209-1451.

In the Northeast District, Commander Samuel Williams heads up the Advisory Council. They meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Pusser’s Caribbean Grill Restaurant, 816 A1A North, Suite 100 at 12:00 p.m. You can reach Commander Williams by email at spwilliams@sjso.org, or by phone at (904) 209-1963.

I would also like to remind you that there are several other ways you can be involved. The Civilian Police Academy is an excellent way to learn what we do and how we train to combat crime in our communities. I will discuss the academy in a future column. You can also follow us through your favorite social media; facebook or twitter.

Our website, www.sjso.org, has a wealth of additional information for citizens, residents and visitors. If you would like to contact me by phone, please call 904-824-8304, or, you can send your message to me by e-mail at dshoar@sjso.org. I am also available at my office by appointment. I look forward to your involvement.