For the sake of the families who read this, they should know that "my family comes first"… even though I tell my family "the office comes first." It remains a balancing act while raising my children, I will do the very best job I can for the citizens whom I serve.

Please allow me the opportunity to offer you some of my thoughts on serving the citizens while supporting the victims of crime in Bureau County. My office, by its Constitutional origin, serves as an officer to the Court, and as the custodian of the jail. Following this, and more importantly to the citizens of this county, I am here to serve and protect them in every way possible. Protection is the part left out by the legislature. The citizens of Bureau County recognize the Sheriff, as their law enforcement representative first. As such, most of our resources in manpower is consumed through proactive and reactive law enforcement, and doesn’t leave much for our victim’s aftercare. I only wish that my staff and I could provide more.

My first step in serving the victims of crime(s) remains in providing what I can in the way of understanding, yet forceful and effective law enforcement. I do not wish this Office to be a social service agency, with psychologists and psychiatrists on staff. I feel that is best left to those agencies. We are your law "enforcement". We investigate and apprehend those criminals who will take advantage of the public in our community (our county). I (and the citizens of Bureau County) am very fortunate as Sheriff, to have a staff of Deputy Sheriffs who truly care about helping the public whom they serve. The men and ladies, who answer the phones, care for the prisoners, drive the police cars and perform investigations, do so because they care and really wish to help our community.

After taking this office, I’ve tried to relay to the staff the human side of the job. Those of us, who serve society in the capacity of law enforcement officers, should (in my humble opinion) do so with understanding and compassion, combined with the strength necessary to do the job. We’re not trying to make money for the county through the use of our enforcement positions. However, if the speeding violation occurs in the proximity of a school zone, it becomes more of a safety issue for the sake of our children, and we will take every appropriate action to insure our children are safe. When called or dispatched to a victim, it’s important your law enforcement officers perform as professionals, but even more so, they must demonstrate compassion and understanding. During each call that is dispatched, they are the source of support for an individual or family who is enduring their own personal crisis. Whether it is an accident, incident or violation of the law, we don’t have the option of allowing these calls to become routine. With every "new" call, they must intervene with one primary thought…"how can I help my neighbor?"

Sincerely,

Sheriff John Thompson

 

Sheriff John Thompson is a graduate of the FBI National Academy

The FBI National Academy is considered the most prestigious law enforcement school available. The academy has long been a vital element in the continuing improvement of law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation throughout the world. The FBI National Academy provides a wide range of leadership and specialized training, as well as an opportunity for professional law enforcement officers to share ideas, techniques, and experiences. Attendees are invited after being nominated by their department. Once nominated, the Officers undergo an extensive background check and interview process. Admission to the FBI National Academy is very limited: only 1/2 of 1 percent of all law enforcement in the free world is invited by the Director of the FBI to attend the academy. Law Enforcement officers from around the world submit to concentrated studies and demanding physical training for eleven weeks.