Crime Prevention Division

The prime directive of the Benton County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit is prevention through education. This is based in the belief that knowledge is power and if we are to change people's attitudes, we must begin with the young. A concentrated effort is made in all county schools from Kindergarten through Senior High School to provide information that will help the younger generation make the proper choices. These programs are designed to be progressively more intense and direct as grade levels increase. The overall approach is to never tell the child not to get involved in drugs. This is based on the belief that they must make their own choices if they are to resist the temptations they will encounter. It is our responsibility to provide the knowledge they need to make the right choices. At the same time we must teach them that they are responsible for the choices that they make. Knowing that re-enforcement at home is necessary; many of these programs are offered as in-service programs to local businesses and civic organizations. In- school training of teachers is also provided when necessary. The crime prevention division also works to protect senior citizens from criminal elements that prey on them.