Programs in Operation  During
Buck Johnson's Term as Sheriff
As part of my obligation to ensure excellence within the sheriff’s office, I have committed to
several programs to benefit the citizens of our county. Some view my desire to implement these
programs as unrealistic. I appreciate their interest, so to assure those people of my dedication to
my word, I have decided to speak in more detail about these programs and to show how the
only thing blocking their implementation is an apparent lack of desire to do so.

All the following programs (except the reserves) were active in the past and were discontinued
by the current administration. The reserve program had been alive and well but is now greatly
reduced and lacking proper leadership.

LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORERS PROGRAM

Administered through the Boy Scouts Of America
Sponsored by the Rogers County Sheriffs Office
Purpose-To educate youth in self-governing process, elect officers, receive training in law
enforcement activities, assist with community programs and activities.
Overseen by adult advisors and when on duty by a supervising officer of parent sponsoring
agency.

Volunteer advisors sat in on meetings and volunteer law enforcement advisor taught classes.
Location for classes donated by a local church.

Explorers purchased their own uniforms.

RCSO purchased patches only.

Cost-minimal cost of patches.

Program dropped in 1998.

EMERGENCY RESPONDER/LAW ENFORCEMENT

Applied to senior citizen or medically-homebound patient
Purpose- to assist emergency responders in locating the home of the person in need.
The method was a blinking light bulb on the citizen’s porch.
The reserves and explorers applied this program.
No cost to RCSO.
Program dropped in 1998.
*With the current technological advances, this program could be replaced with a GPS locator
kept within reach or worn by the person in need. A push of a button would direct help quickly
and accurately to the exact location.



MOTORCYCLE OFFICER

Formerly in place with one marked motorcycle unit.
Program dropped in 1996.

Purpose-To be visible throughout the county and interact “up close” with school children.

*I would immediately reinstitute this program as I feel its importance warrants the required
budget commitment. Additionally, in keeping with my commitment to traffic law enforcement,
the cycle officer will be engaged in that activity.

RESERVE DEPUTY SHERIFF

The purpose is to aid in the normal operations of the sheriffs department such as :
emergencies, special activities, traffic control, school security, interaction with students, etc.

Reserves purchase their own uniform, drive their own car or ride with a deputy, thus supplying
a backer at no cost.

Training by CLEET- certified full time or reserve deputies.

Workers comp paid by the sheriff’s office. In my estimation, this is money well spent.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS TEAM

Purpose- to have a trained unit to respond to calls that require special skills and training.

Eight member squad.

Dropped in 1996.

TACTICAL VAN

The purpose was to serve as a mobile headquarters for special team call-outs.

Given away first to emergency management, then to tri-district fire.

UNDERWATER DIVE TEAM

The purpose was to have trained deputies to assist in underwater searches for various reasons.
Utilizing RCSO deputies rather than outside agencies, taking responsibility for our own counties
needs.

Two member squad.

Dropped in 1996.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

The purpose was to educate the public about criminal activity and make recommendations for
personal and neighborhood safety and general crime prevention.

Dropped in 1998. (You may see a few old signs scattered about).

PARTICIPATION IN DISASTER DRILLS

The purpose was to train and prepare for unexpected disasters in our county. This also united
the various emergency responders within different agencies.

This program was attended by reserve deputies only and was dropped in 1998.


We can understand that these programs were very beneficial. They were in force during a time
when the sheriff’s budget was less that the current level.

I can only assume that since they were workable then, with proper administration of current
budget allotments, I will be able to re-introduce them.

The above programs in no way represent the total involvement I believe the sheriff’s office
should have within the community.
ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!

COLE BUTLER's
Campaign signs are being stolen!
If you see any suspicious activity
around any signs of Cole's please take
pictures! This is the only way we can
find the culprits.