Official Press Release
For Immediate Release

As your Sheriff, I promised I would work diligently to bring about POSITIVE CHANGE for all citizens of Guilford County.  For the past 100 days, the dedicated men and women of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office and I have begun our mission to do just that. 
 
The following represents a “road map” that has been developed to better serve the citizens.  These are things we want to accomplish:
 

• RESTORE agency accountability and accreditation
• CREATE safer outcomes with community policing
• REBUILD law enforcement and citizen relationships
• SAVE tax dollars through recidivism reduction
• REDUCE officer attrition rates
• DEVELOP equitable employment practices

 
Through intensive meetings with community stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, policy makers, civic groups, educators, students, and citizens, I have been given invaluable information about what the Guilford County Citizens want.
 
Many concerns stem around illegal drug use. This issue touches all aspects of the community and feeds violence In our communities and is a monumental public health issue. I pledge to continue to step up efforts to arrest dealers, provide information about resources for those who are at risk for (and d0) overdose as well as support education on this epidemic the community.
 
During the first 100 days I also Increased community outreach events in local schools, businesses and council meetings. I am extremely proud of the work of our all of our officers both sworn and non-sworn. 
 
I have worked with Guilford County Schools through our SRO program and have directly connected with students encouraging more youth to joining our Explorer Post.
 
We are working towards getting the right people and process in place to move forward to apply for  accreditation.  We are anxious to begin this process which could take up to two years. I am confident that we will achieve this important goal.
 
The our first few weeks, while many have reported on the issues regarding our vacancies, we’re on the path to hire more staff within the next few months.  The important thing to point out that has not been touched on by the media is that what matters to the citizens-in how quickly we respond to calls (needs) have NOT been affected. Our response times are actually lower than last year during this time.  There was much press regarding the people we did not choose to retain.  Many of those reports didn’t let you, as citizens, know that many of the employees were retiree call-backs. These were people who were already drawing their retirements.  They were filling in.  We are now are focused on being fiscally responsible-analyzing the need for call-backs as well as realigning the department to maximize personnel.  Ensuring we are fiscally responsible to the taxpayers is a top priority.

In order to help reduce recidivism and create safer communities, I have been working closely with my Reentry Staff to ensure we provide resources and case management to assist those returning citizens who are transitioning back into our community.  We want these men and women engaged with their families, working and paying taxes and not residing in our detention facilities.

 
Last but not least, I am proud to announce the planning of the “Sheriff’s Advisory Roundtable,” to provide feedback and guidance. This advisory group will consist of community and religious leaders, other law enforcement agencies, nonprofits and other community stakeholders. The goal of this group will be to improve communications and community oriented policing initiatives. For anyone interested in participating please contact our office.
 
I’m pleased to report that we’ve hit the marks and have made a lot of progress on our 100-day plan.  I am very proud of the men and women of this department.  Of course, there is much work to be done.  With the commitment of the fine members of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, assistance from the community, cooperation of county, state and local agencies and, most importantly, SUPPORT from Guilford County Citizens-- ANYTHING is possible.
 
I Invite the press for an interview tomorrow, March 14th at 4pm at GCSO Headquarters, please contact Max Benbassat, Communications Specialist, at mbenbassat@guilfordcountync.gov to confirm attendance.
 

Guilford County Sheriff’s Office
Office of Sheriff Danny H. Rogers

Max Benbassat
Communications Specialist
Guilford County Sheriff’s Office
400 W. Washington St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
336 641 2752 (office)
336 382 6790 (mobile)