Dear Editor:

As we put 2020 behind us, it’s a good time to look back and think about what we have done right and where we could improve.

For those of us in the law enforcement world, it’s been a world of challenges and a good time to talk about how we are addressing some of the issues head on. For the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, it’s about giving people the skills they need to be successful. A sheriff’s office is charged with protecting all members of the public. As more and more law enforcement has come under scrutiny, we have chosen to add new hires and increase training.

In 2020, due to COVID-19, that training was primarily online. Our office chose to add 14 additional classes to our already robust program. We added training on implicit human bias, deescalation tactics and crisis management, power authority and discretion, how to respond to people with disabilities and awareness of transgender issues. We are pleased to welcome four new deputies to our office, for it’s important to add new perspectives, and new perspectives are perhaps more important now than ever before.

2020 has caused us to reflect on the way we provide police services and to consider ways to improve services, communication, and transparency in what we do.

We are all looking forward to the new year, to continuing our work with you and to keep building your trust --- so remember, if you need us we will be there.

Sheriff Todd Brackett

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office