Latest news with #MarkPettway
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Yahoo
Graduation held for Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Sentinel Program participants
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office held graduation services for its latest round of Sentinel Program graduates Sunday. According to the JCSO, the program aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. Graduates from the program are meant to assist the JCSO by providing community information that could help the department address potential threats before they escalate. Businesses burglarized in Trussville 'The public's participation in this program signifies a shared commitment to vigilance, collaboration, and proactive community policing,' Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway said in a statement. 'Together, we can make a profound impact on reducing crime and fostering a sense of security among our neighbors.' The 80-hour program includes 64 hours of training across the span of eight days as well as 16 hours of firearms training. All of the program's expenses are covered by the $250 fee. More information on the program can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Yahoo
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office announces local partnership to fight human trafficking in Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the Child Trafficking Solutions Project to combat human trafficking in Alabama. CTSP is a state-wide coalition that works to rescue and restore victims of sex trafficking. They work within local communities to raise awareness and prevent trafficking. 'The training and tools that CTSP offers is really helping my department as we work toprevent human trafficking within Jefferson County, specifically children that are caught inthis vicious crime,' Sheriff Mark Pettway said in a statement. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. A combination of rural area and a robust interstate system make Alabama a prime location for human traffickers, according to Human Trafficking Front. The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported Alabama ranked 29th in the United States in 2023 for human trafficking cases identified. Sheriff Pettway encourages the public to be aware and follow these tips: Know the signs: Look for signs of physical abuse, unexplained access to cash or expensive items as well as 'attempts to isolate the person from family and friends.' Be cautious: Be aware of people who promise something that seems too good to be true in exchange for sex or work. Use safe online practices: Don't share personal information online, accept requests from strangers or share inappropriate pictures. Report suspicious activity: If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
