Michael Bonham took over as Osage County sheriff in December, and this week marks two months since he's been on the job.
"We wanted a 'no drama' transition from the leadership of Carl Fowler, who served as interim sheriff," Bonham said. "We intensified communication - internally and externally. We have used Facebook and soon an updated website, along with YouTube videos, to push information out to the public. We are crediting this social media blitz with leading to the recent arrests of fugitives."
Bonham said while the department has stepped up efforts to arrest drug dealers, save drug users who overdose and educate the community about drugs, his office has yet to engage the medical community in an effort to reduce the abuse of prescription narcotics.
So what's to come? Bonham wants to address some specific areas, including:
Crisis intervention training. Bohham said this will prepare all deputies and sheriff's department staff with intervention methods for dealing with residents suffering from mental illness. Three staffers will complete the 40-hour training, scheduled in May.
Increased community outreach with a town hall meeting in Linn and other events. The restructured Community Services Unit, the Chaplain Program and the Junior Deputy Program are other ways Bonham hopes to reach county residents.
Restarting the Reserve Deputy program, which allows retired law enforcement officers to volunteer. They must have the same training as full-time officers and can work in a range of activities.
"While I'm just pleased to report that we've hit the marks on our first 60-day plan, this is not to say we're done," Bonham said.
Bonham credited his staff for working quickly and professionally to meet his expectations. Turnover has remained low, he said, with only minimum changes from retirements and resignations since he took office.
"The deputies and men and women of the sheriff's office have been working hard, and I'm proud of these accomplishments," he said. "We will continue to work hard to produce a professional, competent and compassionate law enforcement agency the citizens of Osage County can be proud of."
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