Community Relations

“One of the most endearing images of American policing is that of the traditional foot patrol officer walking a beat and twirling a nightstick. The image is powerful because it represents an era in policing when police officers were the fabric of the community they served.” *

While it's not likely you will see Burke County deputies walking beats, it is Sheriff Alfonzo Williams' goal to continue Building Community Relationships. This major component of law enforcement is commonly overlooked by the media. From educating children in schools about the danger of using illegal drugs through the Choosing Healthy Activities and Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) program, to providing driver safety education, to coordinating neighborhood watch associations, to speaking at business luncheons, schools and community town hall meetings, Sheriff Williams works diligently to make our communities safe and to provide a friendly environment for the people his department serves.

This effort is multi-faceted and started in the classroom. Sheriff Williams worked with the board of education to add campus safety officers. He established a mentoring program in our elementary and middle schools. He has also enhanced the existing jail ministry.

Sheriff Williams created a community relations division to teach crime prevention to residents and business owners, a citizens academy, citizens on patrol unit, an All-Terrain Vehicle Unit for natural disasters, an honorary deputy unit, reserve deputies unit and a GREAT program (Gang Resistance Education and Training). He meets quarterly with neighborhoods to study crime analysis, prevention and education, and pass along information. His staff also works with our financial institutions to prevent identity theft and check fraud.

He developed this website and future plans include Computerized Crime Mapping to build safer communities (used by residents, business owners/employees and deputies). To support the new website the sheriff uses social media for daily communication.

Sheriff, Williams has embraced the governor’s Public Works initiatives with public and private sector using inmates. He also works with schools, the district attorney, Magistrate, DJJ, State Patrol, GBI, Probation, Parole and other government agencies to foster professional relationships ahead of a crisis.

*John P. Skinner, Deputy Commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department, American Policing in 2022: Essays on the Future of a Profession, U.S. Department of Justice.