HCSO Sheriff Jim Hammond to Officially Kick Off New School Initiative – Sheriff's LAWS Program in Hamilton County Schools

Hamilton County, TN - Earlier this morning, February 18th, Sheriff Jim Hammond and members of the HCSO and the Hamilton County Department of Education officially kicked off the HCSO's new LAW SProgram at Red Bank High School.

The Sheriff's LAWS Program stands for "Law Enforcement Actively Working in Schools" and is a new initiative created by Sheriff Jim Hammond to increase law enforcement's presence in our local schools in cooperation with the many programs already underway as part of the HCSO School Resource Officer (SRO) Program.

The Sheriff's LAWS Program focuses on cultivating lines of communication between students and law enforcement by enabling Sheriff Hammond to personally visit and tour our local schools, speak to students about the mission of the HCSO and the importance of being law abiding citizens, the history of sheriff’s offices, and time to personally

discuss individual school issues with the students, SRO on duty and the Principal.

The HCSO LAW Program will begin by focusing on our community’s middle and high School students and then gradually incorporate our elementary schools as well. During the scheduled visits, Sheriff Hammond and members of his Command Staff will visit schools to encourage students to stay in school, avoid criminal activity, and serve as

mentors to our community's young people.

"The children in our schools today will be tomorrow's leaders… It is important to let them know that members of law enforcement are here to serve them and we are concerned for their future and their welfare." Sheriff Hammond stated. "The HCSO LAWS Program is designed to allow me the opportunity to personally speak with students, our SRO's, and school leadership in order to expand the relationship of law enforcement within the educational process."

The HCSO LAWS Program kicked off its first official visit this morning at Red Bank High School.