Community Relations

For over 25 years, the Henry County Sheriff's Office has been presenting community education programs. The Community Relations Unit has developed a wide range of topics that cover issues that affect today's citizens.  Each program is presented by a deputy who has been trained in crimes prevention and program presentation.  Along with these programs the Community Relations Unit conducts public awareness events out in the community.  All programs are available to any group upon request.  We can also develop programs to accommodate almost any topic.  Our goal at the Sheriff's Office is to help you become more familiar with the law and law-enforcement and to help make Henry County a safer place.  Below is a list of some of the programs available through our agency. 

If you would like to schedule a program click here. If you need further information, please call Sgt. Stephen Chance in Community Relations at (770) 288-7141.

Programs Available

Sheriff's Youth Summer Camp

Introduced in 2010, this program is intended for children from all backgrounds between the ages of 12 through 14.  This 4 day long activity packed program runs from 8 a.m. and until 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.  Topics include a variety of fun indoor and outdoor activities, but are also packed with safety and security educational-based programs.  The purpose is so that when these children are away from home and are faced with difficult decisions in their lives they will know they can reach out to law-enforcement help or guidance.  Applications will be made available up to one month before the start of summer camp and will be accepted in the order they are received.  pe the text here

McGruff the Crime Dog

For over 25 years, McGruff the Crime Dog has been educating kids and teens on safety issues.  Today, more than 93% of children recognize McGruff, the trench coat wearing hound dog.  The goal of McGruff is to bring a higher awareness to the fight against crime.  McGruff is available for daycares and public awareness events in the community.

Church Security and Safety

In today's world, even the sanctuary of a place of worship may be a target for criminals. To help congregations learn to identify and deal with a variety of situations this program was created in two parts:

Part 1 - In this introduction we inform church leaders and committee members of the facts on the safety and security crisis’s at churches throughout the country. This includes potential vulnerabilities and the real consequences of doing nothing.
Part 2 - This section is an on-site evaluation of the potential weaknesses and to assist in the development of security teams and the creation of a Security and Safety Operational Plan. A well-developed plan may save your congregation money in the form of insurance reductions and reduced liability.

Provided documents - As part of the program the Sheriff's Office will provide copies of the program to share with your congregation as well as a model Safety and Security plan (in Word format) for your team to modify for your specific property needs.

Work Place Violence

The purpose of this program is to help businesses educate their employees on how to recognize volatile situations that could lead to violence and how to deal with or diffuse the situation.

 

Business Watch

This program is designed to make business owners and employees aware of the pitfalls and patterns businesses fall into that criminals look for to prey on them. It is designed to help business owners and employees become more acquainted with other businesses in close proximity so they can watch out for each other.

Senior Citizen Awareness

This monthly program, held at Heritage Park and Hidden Valley Senior Centers, is designed to educate senior citizens on the scams and schemes that law-enforcement are aware of and help them identify potential financial risk.