Sheriff’s Office Recognized for Community Policing Efforts

The Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee, an organization headed by the United States Attorney’s office, recognized Pinal County for its efforts in community policing at the recent 19th Annual “Crime in Arizona” Conference in Prescott.

Two independent groups, filled with members from various organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, received identical awards for “Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety by a Group.”

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Posse, which has more than 50 members, was one of the recipients. In his nomination, PCSO Lt. Jack McClaren stated, “The Pinal County Sheriff’s Posse contributed 10,482 duty hours in 2003 and nearly 4000 training hours. They have been called upon at all hours in emergency situations. They promote community involvement through many functions and contribute time to all phases of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.”

The Posse’s mission is to support the Sheriff’s Office’s core values of integrity, fairness and professionalism through community focus and striving for improvement. Its creed is to provide the services of deputy assistance in highly congested areas through increased visibility and officer presence, which also includes good public relations with all communities.

Also receiving the award was the Pinal County Domestic Violence Court Task Force. The Task Force brings together multiple agencies, both government and private, in an effort to provide greater safety to victims of domestic violence and greater accountability to the users. Members include:

Adams Counseling Services
Adult Protective Services
Against Abuse, Inc.
Casa Grande Police Department
Eloy Justice Court – Precinct 3
Eloy Police Department
House of Representatives
Pinal County Adult Probation
Pinal County Attorney’s Office
Pinal County Finance
Pinal County Public Defender’s Office
Pinal County Sheriff’s Office
Pinal County Superior Court
Pinal County Superior Court – Division 1
Pinal County Superior Court Administration

In a welcoming letter to the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee, U.S. Attorney Paul Charlton said, “It is appropriate that we pause and reflect upon those who serve this great nation and the State of Arizona with selfless dedication and extraordinary professionalism. While the awards are but a mere piece of paper, they symbolize the best-of-the-best, in our profession.”

Members of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Posse present at ceremony and pictured above: U.S. Attorney Paul Charlton, Sheriff Roger Vanderpool, Posse Coordinator Chuck Higgins, Cmdr. Jeff Karns, Mary Higgins, Lt. Jack McClaren, Posse Lieutenants, Butch Elliott, Morris Courtwright and Jerry Borstad.

Pinal County Domestic Violence Court Task Forcemembers pictured above: U.S. Attorney Paul Charlton, Sheriff Roger Vanderpool, Presiding Superior Court Judge William O’Neil, Cmdr. Jerald Monahan, Chief Criminal Deputy County Attorney Richard Platt, Deputy County Attorney Liz Guillen and Adult Probation Programs Resources Supervisor Melissa Knight.