Dr. James R. Metts, Sheriff Lexington County South Carolina

Council Praises Sheriff's Department

   Grass-roots networking and more comprehensive department management were keys to a reduction in county crime last year, according to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.
   The results, an 18 percent decline in major crimes with larger reduction in larcenies and burglaries, drew praise from County Council this week.
   Councilman Bruce Rucker said Lexington's methods were the talk of a recent South Carolina Association of Counties meeting. "What you all are doing, Sheriff, is moving around the state," Rucker said.
   Sheriff James Metts credited a series of meetings he has held around the county for opening channels of communications between his office and residents.
   If a suspect was seen driving a certain model car or working a particular neighborhood, the sheriff has community contacts to keep watch and spread the word.
   Teamed with a second program, the Intel TEAM, Metts said, the department has been able to quickly respond to hot spots. The effort, he said, established a follow-up system to make sure there were answers as to why the department has been successful or not.
   Other measures, such as moving shift roll call from the station to a high crime area, reinforce department priorities.
   Among the crimes in which residents would most notice the decline, Metts said, was burglary. "That's an area you can work on," he said. "You can do something to reduce the visibility of property."

Reprint from The State Newspaper March 25, 2004 By John O'Connor Staff Writer

RESOLUTION

THE COUNCIL FOR THE COUNTY OF LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, MEETING IN GENERAL SESSION THE 23RD DAY OF MARCH, TWO THOUSAND AND FOUR ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING:

WHEREAS, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department demonstrated great progress in reducing the number of major crimes reported in Lexington County by 18 percent in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff James R. Metts implemented accountability in management and directed patrols, ensured deputies received accurate and timely criminal intelligence and directed detectives to relentlessly follow up on leads during criminal investigations; and

WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Department achieved success in enhancing accountability through its INTEL Team (Intelligence through Teamwork, Effort and Accountability in Management). Assistant Sheriff Timothy M. James led the program in which managers and supervisors are held personally accountable for providing prompt, effective and accurate services that deter criminal activity and improve the quality of life for citizens in Lexington County; and

WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Department improved the quality of life in Lexington County by building partnerships, which include citizens, local police agencies and public safety agencies, and by communicating and coordinating information and resources that enhance public safety.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we take great pride in congratulating Sheriff James R. Metts and his proven, professional law enforcement team at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department for providing effective and efficient law enforcement services to the citizens of Lexington County.

Council Vice-Chairman John W. Carrigg, Jr. and Sheriff Metts