New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
This is a response to opinion piece by Betty Ussach which you can read here.
The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.
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A true sheriff’s role: beyond inmates, towards a stronger community
“As citizens of Bristol County, it is important for us to have an open and honest conversation about the role of our sheriff and their responsibilities.
While the care and custody of inmates is undoubtedly a crucial aspect of their job, we must also recognize the significance of community engagement and the implementation of effective programs. After all, a true public servant understands that their DUTY extends far beyond the walls of a correctional facility. Let us explore why the Sheriff Heroux should be equally dedicated to the welfare of both inmates and the wider community.
A Commitment to Serve and Protect:
In the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office mission statement, it explicitly states “We are an organization of public safety professionals committed to serving and protecting the people of Bristol County.” This statement suggests that the scope of his responsibility reaches beyond managing inmates. It implies a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents within our community.
A Holistic Approach to Public Safety:
A sheriff who focuses solely on the care and custody of inmates neglects the broader aspects of public safety. Instead, by investing in community programs and initiatives, they can address the root causes of crime, work towards reducing recidivism rates, and foster an environment of trust and cooperation. By adopting a holistic approach to public safety, a true and good sheriff would acknowledge that a strong community is the foundation for a safer society as a whole.
Prevention Through Education and Rehabilitation:
Community programs play a vital role in breaking the cycle of crime. By prioritizing education and rehabilitation, the sheriff can actively work towards reducing crime rates and empowering individuals to reintegrate successfully into society. Programs such as job training, substance abuse counseling, and mental health support can provide inmates with the tools they need to become productive and law-abiding citizens upon release.
Engagement and Collaboration:
A sheriff who actively engages with the community fosters a sense of trust and cooperation. By partnering with local organizations, schools, and the community in general, they can develop collaborative initiatives that address community concerns and build bridges between law enforcement and citizens. This engagement is essential in establishing positive relationships, enhancing public perception, and ensuring that the sheriff’s office is responsive to the needs of the community it serves.
Allocating Resources Wisely:
Critics may argue that focusing on community programs takes resources away from inmate care. However, investing in preventive measures and rehabilitation programs can ultimately save taxpayer dollars by reducing crime rates, preventing recidivism, and lessening the burden on the criminal justice system. A balanced approach, where inmate care and community programs coexist, is not only feasible but also beneficial for the overall well-being of Bristol County.
In conclusion, Sheriff Heroux should embrace a multifaceted approach that goes beyond the care and custody of inmates. By prioritizing community programs, the sheriff can fulfill his DUTY to serve and protect the people of Bristol County. Engaging with the community, focusing on prevention, and fostering rehabilitation are not mutually exclusive to inmate care but rather complementary to the ultimate goal of public safety.
Let us not just encourage, but MANDATE, that Sheriff Heroux committ to embracing this broader vision as stated in the sheriff’s office’s OWN mission statement, ensuring that Bristol County thrives as a safe and supportive community for ALL its residents. Less he ignore his DUTY, and this mandate, you can rest assured that the community WILL REMEMBER this “public servant’s” intentional disregard to the community in the future… by means of the voting booth.
*IMPORTANT NOTE TO PUBLIC: Sheriff Heroux has dissolved the entire community program’s department with exception of one program. The Sheriff has publically PROMISED that he would find homes for all these programs. This has proven me false.
The result has left children and adults with autism, and the families who live with elderly with dementia, all left in the dark. Who is picking up this needed service? He has also left schools across Bristol County with one less educational resource for teaching anti-bullying and social media awareness.
After doing some research It’s also worth mentioning some of these programs were programs also operated by many Sheriff’s Office’s within the State, as well as nationally.” -Anonymous community member.
