By James Orwig

I imagine that I am like many people when I identify a law enforcement vehicle: How fast was I going? Do I have a credible excuse? Isn’t there a grace mile per hour over the speed limit that you don’t get a ticket? In my aging mind, this is less of an issue, but it’s still a reflex. Another concern is that the police are looking for someone to arrest.

Sheriff Danny Smith took the time to give me a different perspective on how he sees his job and the services provided by the County Sheriff’s Department. As the only elected law enforcement officer in Crawford County, he administers a budget of over $4 million that covers the jail and correction officers, 911 dispatch, court security, and patrol officers.

Prisoners need to be evaluated for mental and physical health; they need to be fed, clothed, and managed 24/7. It’s like a hotel, but the guests can’t check out when they grow tired of the accommodations or the other guests.

The jail facility needs to be maintained and repaired, vehicles need to be purchased or leased, traffic laws enforced, criminal activity investigated, court documents served, violent situations de-escalated, weather-related situations that result in damage and injuries need to be managed, traffic accidents need emergency medical personnel to transport injured persons, traffic needs redirection, the accident needs to be investigated and reports filed. If there is a fatality, someone needs to notify next of kin.

The cities of Pittsburg and Frontenac have their own dispatchers, but the rest of the county relies on the dispatch services of the county. We talked at some length about the overlapping jurisdictions and how that is handled. “Things work out because we have good partnerships. The Local Emergency Preparedness Committee (LEPC) includes representatives of the hospital, fire department, schools, police department, emergency services, Community Health, and County Sheriff’s Department. They meet monthly to share information and coordinate services.” It’s an opportunity to get to know people on a first name basis and put a face with a name, so that when needs arise, you know who to call. It gives everyone a sense of partnership, rather than being competitors.

Thinking about the many aspects of the job of County Sheriff, I asked Sheriff Smith if the stress experienced gets to him and how he handles it. He acknowledged the stress, but noted there were several factors that helped him avoid being overwhelmed. He credits his wife’s support and ability to be flexible when emergencies come that interrupt their plans, he avoids being a micro-manager, and he has learned to leave the job and take time to do things that he enjoys with family and friends, while still carrying “the Phone” And he really enjoys this job.

“I feel like I was born to do this job. When I was a kid, I wanted to either be in the military or law enforcement.” After beginning a business administration course of studies at Pitt State, he started volunteering at the Sheriff’s office as a dispatcher and riding along on patrols. After being hired as a dispatcher, he dropped his studies and did not resume them until a few years ago. During his 29 years at the Sheriff’s department, he has worked at every level of the department: being a dispatcher, running the jail, patrol, and his current position as County Sheriff.

Along the way he admits he has made mistakes. “Everyone makes mistakes. The most important thing is to accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes. I use my mistakes to teach the new deputies what not to do.” People in law enforcement frequently make quick decisions and no matter how much you train and how well you plan for situations, things happen that you don’t anticipate and you do the best that you can.

I asked Sheriff Smith what he would like to see changed. After a long, thoughtful pause, he said, “We can always do better.” Things have evolved over the years. Sophisticated communications equipment, global positioning technology. Those are good things. One thing that has gone backwards is mental health resources. There were over 1,200 beds available in the 1990s and now there’s just 250.

“What’s happened is the locals have had to take it on. Crawford County Mental Health is building a new facility, and they will have some beds. We used to have places to take people with mental health problems, but now people with mental health problems sit in jail waiting to be evaluated. We have one person that’s been waiting a year and a half. Corrections officers can be compassionate, but it’s not their job to help these people get better.”

And that brings us to a remarkable illustration of unanticipated and successful innovations that are making a difference in the lives of those behind bars. The jail now has professionals from Crawford County Mental Health and Community Health of Southeast Kansans who screen inmates as they come in. There is a grant-funded addiction treatment program for people who need and want that. The grant-funded community health worker runs a life skills program, a parenting skills program, and a job skills program. She has become an advocate for them in court and with employers.

“When these people get out, they’re able to get jobs, housing, and some of them are getting their kids back. They’re coming out and being productive citizens, and if they’re being productive citizens, it reduces break-ins to feed their habit.”

There is now a grant-funded, fulltime nurse and a medical aide, rather than a parttime, once-a week nurse. Sheriff Smith said that these initiatives evolved from recognizing needs, and conversations with his partners in service. “All I do is provide the clients.” Crawford County’s use of resources has become a model for other counties in the state.

A final thought: Sheriff Smith wants people to know that he is accessible. Feel free to contact him if you have a concern. If he can’t address your issue directly, he probably knows who can.

Office Address: 225 N Enterprise Dr., Girard, KS 66743

Mailing Address: PO Box 157, Girard, KS 66743

Sheriff's Office: (620) 724-8274

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SheriffDannySmith301

Visit Us At: www.crsoks.org

By Susy Hammons

Liberal Ladies Who Lunch met June 5th and 19th, at Dem HQ. 

On the 5th we had a lively bunch. I shared my 2008 KC Star news picture of KU winning the NCAA tournament.  Matt Kleinmann was clearly pictured, red hair a beacon.

Then I shared a gingerbread house kit Hatrriet had given me that was a large, cute, happy Halloween house.  I just couldn't get into the cute, happy theme so I mixed colors the best I could to decorate a horror "trump howse."

Marcia wants volunteers to know about the new American flag hanging in front of HQ on the South side of our building.  Marcia or David Su are in charge of putting it up and taking it down so volunteers do not need to deal with it at all.

Emily talked about Planned Parenthood coming to Pittsburg.  They have a building and are hiring employees.

Harriet gave info from a virtual meeting of Women for Kansas about reaching young voters.  The speaker, Dr. Alexandra Middlewood was very compelling.  Harriet will look into getting a video of her talk to show at HQ.

Emily explained about phone banking that can be done at HQ.  She will send us an email with details.

I asked the group if they would be interested in having a side group called Liberal Ladies Who Learn that would learn about being healthy by having speakers and sharing our own experiences of aging. We would meet once a month. There was some interest. Contact me with your ideas.

On the 19th I reported on taking $342 to Wesley House for pool passes for children whose families receive assistance and can’t  use any of that money for the pool or theater tickets or any fun summer activities. Daily admission for four to 5 years is $4; 16-54 years is $5; and over 55 is $4. An individual season pass is $50 and family swim (5:15 pm - 7:00  pm) for two adults and four kids is $15.

Thank you, Liberal Ladies and County Democrats for your support for pool passes. If you want to donate bring it to HQ clearly marked and leave it in the donation box.

I read the hi points of a letter from the new Planned Parenthood. Emily will coordinate with them to have someone come and speak to LLWL.

We talked more about starting a Liberal Ladies Who Learn group for older members to talk about the problems of aging and solutions that may help.  Laura Colvert-Miller from the 60+ research project has agreed to work with us as has Jenni who does the Silver Sneakers program at the Y.  We will meet after our meeting on July 17th.  No guest speakers; just a hashing out of details and I have three things to share.

Our next meeting will be July 3rd at noon at HQ.