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With regard to VLEPSC Standard ADM.20.02 (rev 1/09) that mandates a report be prepared and made available for public review concerning agency statistics and activities, the following information is provided for the fulfillment of this standard.

The Sheriff’s Office of the City of Salem is a criminal justice agency, constitutionally authorized, to provide security to the Courts, its collateral and supportive offices, courthouse facilities; service of all papers originating from the Courts; secure transportation of persons in custody to include inmates of local correctional facilities; transportation of persons in custody under mental health orders.

The year 2009 will be most notable for the diligence and superior efforts of all employees in achieving the requirements for agency reaccreditation. A team of agency assessors representing the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission conducted the on site assessment of the Salem Sheriff’s Office in February 2009. Deputy Chief of Police Angie Frye of the Radford Police Department, Lieutenant Glen Hanger of the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Scott Humphrey of the Newport News Sheriff’s Office performed an exhaustive review of Sheriff’s Office practices, procedures and policy. The central component of review focused upon 187 file folders that document agency practices in every operational category of a law enforcement agency. The result was a spectacular no files returned for remediation. Salem Sheriff’s Office is one of 4 agencies statewide that have achieved the distinction of a perfect score of assessment.

Under the leadership and philosophy of Sheriff Eric Atkins, emphasis has been placed upon providing advanced training opportunities for deputies. Through a cooperative effort with the US Marshals Service, all deputies participated in a course of training addressing dignitary and personal protection. The courses were held at the Salem Civic Center during the months of September and October. This training component builds upon all the principles of courtroom and courthouse security and furthermore enables the Office to provide a competent service to the City of Salem regarding dignitary/event security to include protection for judges and special measures for high risk inmates.

SIMULATED TRAINING EVENT INVOLVING SALEM DEPUTIES PROVIDING DIGNITARY PROTECTION AT THE SALEM CIVIC CENTER (SEPT O9)

In January 2009 deputies received skill training and subsequently qualified with the use of electronic immobilization devices consistent with the TASER brand of equipment. The issue of electronic immobilization equipment provides an effective alternative when the implementation of force is necessary in the protection of persons. The use of this equipment significantly minimizes the occurrence of serious physical injury to those resisting lawful authority as well as greatly reducing the injury potential of deputies who would have to engage in direct physical contact or yet worse, rely upon lethal force had such equipment not been available.

For the first time in the history of the Sheriff’s Office annual firearms qualifications were held apart from the Police Department. This was for the purposes of concentrating training in scenarios applicable to court room operations and transportation of inmates. A day long training event was held at the Paul Price Firing Range on October 12. The training included components such as defensive tactics, combat shooting skill development and classroom exercises. The Office was assisted in this effort by Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS) firearms instructors from Sheriff’s Offices in Botetourt and Franklin Counties as well as Chief of Police (ret’d) Dennis Deacon from Virginia Western Community College Police Department.

SERGEANT JEFF WOOD, BOTETOURT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SCORES THE TARGET OF SERGEANT APRIL STATON (OCT 09)

Deputies also received specialized training, in cooperation with the Salem Police Department, concerning the protocols and tactics related to “active shooter” scenarios. This training was held in February 2009 at the old Valleydale Meat Processing offices. The training program was realistic and meaningful and provided Sheriff’s Office staff with the understanding of the dynamics of such incidents as well as familiarity with pertinent responsibilities.

In a break with the traditions associated with Virginia sheriff’s the decision to change leather gear from brown basketweave leather to a modern synthetic black basketweave design was adopted and issued to all Sheriff’s office deputies during the month of June. The simulated leather gear is practically indistinguishable from leather and is half the cost of genuine leather items. SAFARILAND™ brand equipment was selected as the optimal choice over other manufacturers particularly in light of their “ALS series pistol holsters” which provide state-of-the art weapons retention capability and user friendliness. The Salem Police Department also utilizes this holster mechanism.

Given the variety of assignments that are placed upon deputies the need for an alternative uniform style was evident. Frequently deputies are sent upon missions that do not necessitate the wear of the official uniform such as civil transports, extraditions, training and public relations. After extensive evaluation, the 5.11 Tactical ® line of clothing specifically designed for the needs of criminal justice personnel was selected. Deputies were issued there first array of gear in September. It has proven an excellent choice and has garnered many compliments to personnel of this Office.

The official uniform of the Salem Sheriff’s Office is consistent with the traditional brown shirt and taupe pants with brown stripe. In accordance with established policy each deputy is to be issued a specified number of uniform shirts and pants for both warm and cool seasons. A comprehensive review of uniform conditions and quantities in hand was conducted during the month of August through a series of spot inspections. Noted deficiencies were corrected. Unusable garments and brown duty gear that were deemed not necessary for inventory purposes were provided to the Sheriff of Craig County for immediate utilization by sworn staff in that jurisdiction.

During 2009 the most publicized trial to take place was the Commonwealth v. Scott. Shaun Scott initially charged with the murder of Zane Blankenship in the parking lot of Awful Arthur’s in Salem. Scott was alleged to have struck Blankenship with the vehicle he was driving. Scott also struck a Salem Police cruiser during his attempt to flee the scene. Through a variety of hearings, motions, preliminary selection of a 40 person jury pool which subsequently was excused in lieu of a bench trail, Judge Clifford Weckstein found Scott guilty of

manslaughter. He was sentenced to seven years in jail for the manslaughter of Blankenship (five years for the manslaughter, with five years suspended, and Scott will serve an additional two years for felonious hit-and-run and property damage). Throughout the entire course of proceedings, Salem Sheriff’s Deputies effected elevated security protocols and as a result, no incidences of violence or other criminal acts transpired.

One of the most important civic responsibilities borne by citizens is the duty to serve on juries. A frequent concern of citizens voiced to this office was an apparent difficulty and inconvenience to contact the established juror notification system.

During 2009 the method by which juries receive notification to report for duty was changed significantly by use of the Internet. Sergeant April Staton received training regarding the management of the Sheriff’s Office web-site which can be accessed from the City web site. As a result, jurors are able to check their status of reporting on the Sheriff’s Office web site (www.salemva.gov/sheriff’s). Also, a new telephone answering system was put in to place utilizing the services of NTELOS. The old answering system could only handle a very few calls in close proximity of time. The new rollover system can handle as many as 100 callers at a time to provide up to the minute juror information.

JUROR NOTIFICATION

The jury trial scheduled for January 11, 2010 has been canceled. The next scheduled trial is on February 05, 2010. All jurors please check back online or call the juror phone line (540) 224-8502 on February 04, 2010 after 5 p.m. Thanks!

If the information above has not been updated, please use the telephone answering service for your instructions.

Sheriff Atkins in a never ending effort to minimize costs to taxpayers instituted a program to utilize the labor of persons having to perform court ordered community service. The program uses non-violent offenders to perform vehicle detailing and cleaning under the supervision of Deputy Stephen G. Ferguson. This alleviates having to pay a fee to a car wash for upkeep. The program has been greatly successful.

THE “GLEEM OF THE MACHINE” MAINTAINED WITH THE AID OF COMMUNITY SERVICE SENTENCED OFFENDERS

One of the most significant events to occur during 2009 was the opening of the Western Virginia Regional Jail located in the western portion of Roanoke County adjacent to US Highway 460 near Dixie Caverns. The facility was formally dedicated in March and starting receiving inmates in April. The regional jail is a partnership composed of the jurisdictions of the counties of Roanoke, Franklin and Montgomery and the City of Salem.

With the opening of this facility, the Sheriff’s Office has been enabled to minimize daily call-back responsibilities to a “call as needed basis.” The result being a savings of deputy compensated hours that, prior to the opening of the regional jail would have necessitated the assignment of sworn personnel. The City of Salem and its citizens are the beneficiaries.

The Sheriff’s Office provides support, by personal donation and/or professional services to some very worthy causes; Salem High School After-Prom Event, the Needlework Guild, LOA Meals on Wheels Program, Salem Sheriff’s All-American Cookout for Seniors.

During the late evening of May 2, a complement of deputies was assigned to security and enforcement duties at the location of the Salem High School After-Prom party for students. Under the direct supervision of Sheriff Atkins and Major David Rorer, the deputies are tasked with the responsibility of providing security to ensure the safety of all participants. The event was held at Roanoke College’s Bast Center. Attendees enjoy a late night of fun and entertainment in a safe, secure and healthy venue. This provision of service helps to alleviate the “myriad of concerns” of Salem parents. The mission will again be carried out in 2010.

SHERIFF ATKINS, MAJOR RORER AND DEPUTIES ON DUTY AT THE SALEM HIGH SCHOOL AFTER PROM EVENT

The Needlework Guild is a benevolent non-profit organization in Salem which seeks to lend assistance in the form of school clothing to Salem’s needy youth. During the fall of 2009 funds were raised to provide the needs of over 250 Salem address students. Appointees of the Sheriff’s Office donated their spare lunch change over the course of the year raising in excess of $400 for the cause.

Meals on Wheels, a city targeted project utilizes employees from many departments to deliver hot meals and a warm personal greeting to a number of Salem shut-ins and elderly. The Sheriffs Office has participated numerous times during 2009 and plans to continue a commitment in 2010.

Salem deputies participate annually as event staffers for the Salem Music Festival sponsored by Star Country Radio and the City of Salem. The event directly benefits local projects of the Salem Rotary Club. Salem Sheriffs’ All- American Cookout for Seniors is held annually during the month of May and seeks to bring recognition to and a show of appreciation to our senior citizens.

(LEFT PHOTO) DEPUTY SWAIN SERVES AT THE SALEM MUSIC FESTIVAL AT FARMER’S MARKET

(RIGHT PHOTO) SHERIFF ATKINS WITH FRIENDS AT THE SALEM SHERIFFS’ ALL-AMERICAN COOKOUT (MAY 09)

Two of the most vital decisions that an official or department head must make are those to hire and those to promote. The Sheriff’s Office has had the occasion during 2009 for one of each of these prized events.

Deputy Brian M. Herndon, appointed in September 2008 successfully completed the Entry Level Jailor/Court Security Basic Training course at Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy in April. The deputy, a former US Marine was president of his class while at CCJA.

In the category of appointments, Deputy Christopher G. Shelor qualified for the designation of Master Deputy and was recognized for his accomplishment during ceremonies held in the Courthouse on June 17. The standards for achieving this distinction are rigorous and as such establish a career development pathway for the deputy.

Other notable achievements in the category of training include but are not limited to: Sergeant April Staton’s continued participation in the City of Salem Leadership Program for her second year; Deputy Stephen C. Swain upon his completion of the US Marshals school of Vehicle Ambush Countermeasures Training in August 2009 and his certification as a Virginia Defensive Tactics Instructor, completion in December; Major David Rorer completed requirements for certification as a Virginia Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor and Range Officer in August; Master Deputies Steven Garber and Christopher Shelor completed certification in the BAND-IT, an electronic restraint technology. Master Deputy Garber also fulfilled certification requirements to be designated as an armorer of Glock automatic pistols.

All deputies requiring mandated re-certification through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services participated in and successfully completed such training requirements during 2009. The majority of course credits were earned through training at the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy in Salem.

The new year will present significant budgetary challenges to all facets of state and local government; this due to the declining national economy and the four billion dollar state budgetary shortfall. One strategy to minimize burdens upon the Sheriff’s Office operational and capital budgets is to seek federal grants for criminal justice enterprises. In December 2009, the Sheriff’s Office was formally notified that it had been selected to receive $71,775 in funds to acquire a closed circuit TV system to aid security of the Courthouse Complex. At the time of this report, steps are being taken to initiate the bidding process for vendors which will eventually result in a state of the art security camera system for the entire complex.

In lieu of travel to distant points efforts will be taken to develop more “in-house” training for deputies. The Sheriff’s Office possesses the skills of certified instructors in the areas of emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, intermediate weapons and firearms. These will be put to great use in the continuous regimen of training that is vitally essential in the service of the courts and protection of all persons.