WEBMAIL

A Message from Sheriff Tommy Greenwell

DO YOU KNOW ALL THE DUTIES YOUR SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM?

When speaking with the public, I have learned that many people do not know all the services the Sheriff’s office is required to provide on a daily basis for Pemiscot County.

I am proud to serve as your Sheriff for the past 10 years. I began my law enforcement career with the Pemiscot County Sheriffs office at the age of 15 as a part time radio operator. When I think of those days, I think how the office of Sheriff has changed. Back then, there were no training requirements for any of the personnel. The Sheriff could hire whoever he wanted, which included deputies, dispatchers and jailers. The only training anyone received was on the job. Also, being a deputy sheriff back then was a part time job, with most of them being farmers, and they helped the sheriff on the side as much as they could.

Today, Missouri state statutes set the training guidelines and hiring standards for most positions in the Sheriff’s office. Deputies must have at least 480 hours of approved training, and they must be licensed by the State before they can be appointed as a deputy sheriff. They also must have 48 hours of continuing education every three years to keep their license valid. Dispatchers must be trained by the State and certified to access information from MULES and NCIC; they also are re-tested and re-certified on a regular basis. They must also be certified as 911 Emergency Dispatchers, as our 911 system is located at the Sheriffs office. In addition to these requirements, our jail staff must receive a minimum of 40 hours of detention officer's training.

The Sheriff and deputies are required to perform many jobs in the county. We must investigate crimes, serve civil process papers, transport prisoners to the Missouri Department of Corrections, transport persons for mental evaluations as ordered by the Court, provide security for our three courts (Division 1, 2 and 3). We also must register and track sex offenders and other felons residing in Pemiscot County, conduct investigations on applicants wanting to purchase handguns, and on persons applying for concealed weapons permits. Our job also consists of operating the 128-bed detention center, and providing transportation for both medical treatment and court appearances for inmates. In addition to these tasks, the Communications Division provides all dispatch operations for every law enforcement agency in the County and all 911 calls are answered at the Sheriffs Office, where we then dispatch fire departments and ambulance services.

Law Enforcement is a career; it doesn't matter what branch you choose. Each officer/deputy puts their life on the line everyday to keep the public safe and to protect your property. They are working day and night, including every holiday, every graduation, every birthday, and other special occasions. Someone is always on duty.

Thanks for your time,

Tommy Greenwell

Sheriff

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