Crime Prevention

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Unknown Image

Deputy Wes Eller, Sgt. Neal Brooks, Sgt Michael Lowe and Deputy Tyler Grinstead are assigned as the County’s D.A.R.E. officers. The D.A.R.E. program was adopted by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1986. Smyth County implemented the program in 1987. The purpose of D.A.R.E. is a united effort by D.A.R.E., Certified Law Enforcement Officers, educators, students, parents, and the community to offer an educational program in the classroom to prevent or reduce drug abuse, violence, and gang involvement among children.
The D.A.R.E. program is divided into two sections, one for Kindergarten through 4th grade and the other for the 5th graders.

The program follows a carefully structured curriculum, focusing on topics such as personal safety, drug use and misuse, consequences of behavior, resisting peer pressure, building self-esteem, assertiveness training, managing stress without drugs, role models, and support systems.

D.A.R.E. is only a tool, it takes everyone (parents, schools, police, concerned citizens and the media) working together to save our children from the devastation of drugs and violence.
Neighborhood WatchThe D.A.R.E. officer is assigned to the Neighborhood Watch program, which is a part of crime prevention. Deputies plans meetings with community members to discuss neighborhood problems and solutions.
The basis of Neighborhood Watch is observation and reporting. Neighborhood Watch sets up a communication network between the Sheriff’s Office and the community.
School Resource OfficersThe Smyth County Sheriff’s Office has thirteen full time school resource officers (SRO) assigned to the local schools
Tony Powers, CaptainMichael Lowe, Sgt. - Atkins Elementary School

Tyler Hayden, Deputy - Chilhowie High School

Scott Prater, Lt. - Chilhowie Middle

Tyler Grinstead, Deputy - Chilhowie Elementary School

Keith Jackson, Deputy - Marion Senior High School

Tony Morris, Lt. - Marion Elementary School

Cole McAllister, Deputy - Marion Middle School

Chris Call, Sgt.- Northwood High School

James McGlocklin, Deputy - Northwood Middle School

Evan Atwell, Deputy - Rich Valley Elementary School

Courtney Widener, Sgt. - Oak Point Elementary School

Wes Eller, Deputy - Smyth Career & Technology Center

Neil Brooks, Sgt. - Saltville Elementary School

Ernie Atwell, Sgt. - Sugar Grove Elementary School

School Resource Officer (SRO) programs have been in schools since the 1960's in the United States. The placement of law enforcement officers in schools has grown tremendously over the past decade; this increased dramatically following the school shootings of the late 1990s. Smyth County implemented the program in 1998.
Some of the duties of an SRO include:

Meet with school board administration to discuss disciplinary action for students using school policy and state law.
Meet with students individually and in groups to promote respectful, law abiding behavior.
Provide security and maintain order
Prevent criminal activity
Investigate criminal activity that occurs on school property.
Complete crime reports for school-related incidents.
Issue citations and make arrests.
Give classroom presentations on crime prevention and related topics.
Provide security at school functions

SRO efforts to reduce crime, drug abuse, and violence provide a safer and more secure learning environment for our students and school staff.

Smyth County Sheriff's Office819 Matson Drive Marion, VA 24354
Marion, VA 24354

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Non Emergency Phone: 276-782-4056
Emergency Phone: 911

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Fax: 276-782-4058

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Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST Main Office Hours

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