PCSO’s Chief Deputy Jeffrey Kirkham on plans for the department’s future

I have asked our new Chief Deputy Jeffrey Kirkham to be the “guest writer” and say a few words to the citizens of Pinal County. Below please find his letter to you. Thank you, and until next month, may God Bless. – Chris Vasquez, Sheriff

“The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don’t like to do.”–E. M. Gray

As Chief Deputy, I am proud to serve the citizens of Pinal County and bring a different vision to the Sheriff’s Office. As my first 30 days is concluding, I have begun meetings with members of the Sheriff’s Office, community groups, Pinal County residents and schools. Through these dialogues we can work together to identify issues that are important in our fight against crime.

One of my priorities is to learn the PCSO from a personal and an operational standpoint. In order to accomplish this task, I have scheduled a series of roundtable meetings at various times and locations throughout the agency. During these meetings I will listen to those who directly serve the community on a daily basis, the Sheriff’s deputies, and how we can work together to make Pinal County a safer community. I encourage open communication with law enforcement personnel and the various stakeholders. In this way we can join together and work on constructive problem-solving strategies.

A second priority is my commitment to improve crime-fighting efforts within Pinal County. I have teamed the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office with the International Crime Free Association. The International Crime Free Association is a well-known and highly effective mechanism in community crime reduction. I believe that Crime Free will help the Sheriff’s Office personnel provide additional ways to inform our citizens on how not to become a victim.

In the area of health and safety, I am working to promote a defibrillator program so that our deputies may respond to medical emergencies with the proper equipment and training. This program will allow those working in remote areas a better chance to save lives, rather than with just traditional CPR or first responder training.

As part of our equipment enhancements, we will continue to improve our technology and equipment, and bring expanded methods in crime identification and reduction. The Sheriff’s Office has implemented a crime mapping program that will provide updated crime analysis functions. With this information every deputy will be able to see where particular crimes are taking place and assist in strategies to reduce those crimes. We have enjoyed a reduction in Part One crimes in 2007 from those in 2006. In today’s environment, one needs to be able to identify where crime is occurring. We may have an idea by beat, area or shift, but we need to share this information as a group to determine patterns and trends. It is my desire to continue this trend with technology and community programs.

The deputy on the streets will be seeing additional replacement vehicles equipped with the latest laptop technology. We recognize that budgets are tight, and work hard to bring in grants and financial assistance through generous community support. While we go forward with these improvements, I am committed to an equitable replacement schedule so that equipment budgets do not exceed funding. We must be fiscally responsible with the funding we receive and use every dollar to the maximum potential.

As a member of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office I would like to invite you to become a part of one of our widely successful volunteer organizations. The time and resources you provide have a great impact on crime fighting efforts within the community. Together we can make a difference in building a better, stronger and safer community. Please join me in this endeavor!

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