Working to keep our youth on the right path

I am proud that last week the Richland County Sheriff's Department kicked off A&E's second season of "Beyond Scared Straight" with an inside look at our R.E.A.D.Y program.

The R.E.A.D.Y. Program (Richland County, Educating, And Deterring, Youth) is an extension of the Crossroads Program, which was introduced in 2008 for students displaying behavior problems. The students are dropped off by their parents to the Sheriff's Department and taken on a tour of the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center followed by a presentation from the Richland County Coroners office for a "reality check". Since the program started, more than three hundred young adults have gone through the program and the vast majority of those students have stayed out of trouble. The common response from parents evaluating the program is a request for an overnight stay at a correctional facility to further get the message across. Students (ages twelve to sixteen) can stay overnight inside a jail cell... they are all monitored closely the entire evening by Richland County Deputies.

If you are interested in finding out more about the program or for enrollment information Investigator Gerald Walls at 518-4127 and pay an administrative fee of $10.00 (which covers cost of jail jumper, snack and breakfast).

If you missed the debut last Thursday, you can go to this link below (A&E's website) at http://www.aetv.com/beyond-scared-straight/video/?bcpid=754809944001&bclid=1115932243001&bctid=1315056183001

Also working hard to make a significant difference in the lives of young people is Richland County Sheriff’s Investigator Cassie Radford. Radford is a six-year Sheriff’s Department veteran.

In an interview by Noelle Phillips with The State newspaper, Kendall Corley, the juvenile prosecutor in the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, said Radford’s one-on-one insight into children’s lives is invaluable when it comes to deciding an appropriate punishment.

“What Cassie is good at is getting to the kids on the front end,” Corley said. “She knows the services they need more than I would by looking at a file.”

The State article goes on to say that as a juvenile crime investigator, Radford doesn’t allow teens to use a troubled home as an excuse for bad behavior.

“I wasn’t born with a silver spoon, and what I have is what I’ve made of myself,” Radford said. “I was told as a teen that I was white trash and I would be on the streets. Well, I am white. But I’m not trash. I’m on the streets, but I’m making a difference.”

I appreciate those working to rehabilitate troubled young people. Whether it's going through the R.E.A.D.Y. program or being mentored by someone like Inv. Radford-- as long as the result is keeping these young people on a positive path, the work is worth it.

Help these dogs find a loving home

In the spirit of the holidays, I find myself feeling even more passionate about finding the remaining 8 Pitt Bulls rescued from horrible conditions loving homes. They have all received complete medical treatment and care they deserve; now they need a caring home for the holidays.

The community has really stepped up by adopting the other 16 dogs and I know it's been a tremendous undertaking, but everyone's support and donations to the Sheriff’s Foundation has assisted in caring for these dogs.

If you would like to be a volunteer to foster a dog or two or maybe adopt one please call Pawmetto Lifeline at 803-622-4748 – anyone interested in making a donation should make checks payable to: The Richland County Sheriff’s Foundation,

5623 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29202

  

You can read a short description of the remaining dogs and see photos at http://www.facebook.com/OfficialRCSDPage.fb

Holiday Shoppers Beware- Both in Stores & Online

I strongly encourage you to be safe shopping this holiday season. By  taking some extra precautions you can keep yourself and your personal information safe.

It's unfortunate that we live in a society where not everyone is out spreading holiday cheer. With that in mind, please be vigilant and alert as you venture out both to stores and online.

Here are some tips to remember while you are out shopping:

1-Avoid concentrating so hard on shopping that you fail to keep track of your surroundings, or others near you or your personal property.

2-Be alert in crowded places. Pickpockets favorite places are revolving doors, jammed aisles, elevators, and at public transportation bus stops – make sure your pocketbook/wallet is on your person at all times.

3-Grip your carried items firmly and avoid leaving them attended.

4-Carry the day’s most expensive purchases closest to your body, and don’t carry so much you lose the ability to react quickly.

5-Do not leave purchased items visible in the car - leave them in the trunk.

6-Credit cards offer convenience and security, however, keep track of all cards and keep receipts to compare to your monthly statement.

7-Shop with friends or relatives if possible; there is safety in numbers.

8-While shopping in the evening hours may be less crowded, there are also additional potential risks involved – park in areas with adequate lighting, again shop with someone rather than alone.

9-When returning to your vehicle, carry your keys in your hand and be ready to unlock the door and enter as quickly as possible. As you approach your vehicle, scan the area, glance underneath, and take a quick look inside before entering.

Shopping Online? Please be wary of crime there as well!

1-Before you begin shopping online, secure your computer by updating your security software. Every computer should have antivirus software, antispyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall. Firewalls and antivirus software are the first line of defense. They help keep your computer safe and secure.

2-Keep your personal information private and your password secure. Don’t respond to any requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses won’t ask for this information.

3-Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked
padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address.
They indicate that you are dealing with a secure website.

4-Donate to charities online only if you have investigated the charity. Be sure that the charity’s site is secure or make your donation through the mail.

And above all- beware of bargains from unfamiliar companies. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

I would like to extend the very best this Holiday Season from our family to yours!