Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey’s April update

It seems like spring is off to a fast start here in Texas County.

We have experienced all types of weather including some severe storms and flooding this last month. Just a reminder that we have many rivers and creeks that seem mild most of the time but can certainly turn very dangerous when rain raises the water levels. Remember the saying “turn around, don’t drown,” especially during times of darkness where it may be difficult to see the danger or when water is covering a roadway, there may be hidden damage to the road underneath the water that is not readily visible.

On April 4, I was invited to speak with a group of 8 ^th grade students at Cabool Middle School about law enforcement careers and my experience during my career. This is my 26 ^th year of full-time law enforcement work. I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with them and answer questions. Also, that same week, I had the opportunity to talk to the Houston Lions Club and gave them an update on how things are going at the sheriff’s office. I appreciate the efforts of the Lions Club to provide service projects to our community and their help with our Shop with a Hero program.

On April 10, we hosted a meeting at the justice center for our Crisis Intervention Team. CIT is a team of trained law enforcement officers that work with mental health providers to get resources to individuals that need assistance. Also, in April, several deputies and municipal officers attended special response team training hosted by the sheriff’s office. This training involved teaching the officers to work together as a team to respond to violent incidents and barricaded suspects. The officers on the team will continue to train monthly as a group.

April 27 was the annual Emmett Kelly Clown Festival in Houston. During the festival,  deputies participated in a fundraising event for Shop with a Hero. Deputies, dispatchers and city officers volunteered their time to get dunked on a cool rainy day. There will be other fundraisers throughout the year, if you have the opportunity to support one of them, please do so as the results of these events are what we will use to take kids shopping at Christmas time. Also, the last week of April is the start of Texas County government days, which means we host groups of 8 ^th grade students from various schools in Texas County to tour the justice center and sheriff’s office.

Looking at written reports for the month of April, the following incidents stand out. An individual in the Licking area accidentally shot himself when he thought the gun no longer had bullets in it. A quick reminder to always visually and physically check the weapon for live rounds to avoid this. Domestic violence and stealing are the predominant call types listed in the reports for the month. There are domestic violence shelters available in our area and they provide resources to help start an independent life, safe from abuse. Call 911 if you or someone else is experiencing domestic violence. Please help us to protect your personal property by taking photographs of items and serial numbers or making identifying marks on your personal property in case you are targeted by thieves. Trespass calls are also on the rise with turkey season taking place. Be respectful of property lines and make certain where you or your vehicle is at in an area that you have permission to be.

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