Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Partners with Federal Program to Advance Strategic Modernization and Community Policing

Chief Deputy Justin Jacobs

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office

Murphy, NC- The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has completed an extensive organizational assessment through a partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s National Training and Technical Assistance Center (BJA NTTAC). This no-cost initiative was designed to help the Sheriff’s Office strengthen community engagement, modernize operations, and align local law enforcement practices with national best standards.

The assessment, conducted by BJA NTTAC’s team of subject matter experts, commends CCSO’s deep commitment to public service and identifies opportunities for continued progress through strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, enhanced training, and improved community partnerships.

Key Recommendations and Areas of Focus

1. Strategic Planning: Develop a formal strategic plan with clear goals, priorities, and measurable outcomes, including updated policies, accreditation efforts, and a transparent pay structure to support recruitment and retention.

2. Enhanced Training and Leadership Development: Expand annual training for all staff with a focus on community policing, crisis response, leadership development, and professional performance evaluation.

3. Evidence-Based Policing and Detention Practices: Strengthen de-escalation, behavioral health support, and recidivism reduction through community partnerships and educational programming in detention facilities.

4. Data-Driven Accountability: Modernize data systems to improve information sharing, trend analysis, and performance tracking. Implement regular CompStat-style meetings to ensure transparency and accountability.

5. Community Collaboration: Participate in multi-agency task forces addressing justice, behavioral health, victim support, and public safety, promoting interagency coordination and holistic community solutions.

6. Animal Welfare and Public Safety: Support the creation of a community education campaign and citizen action group focused on animal welfare, abuse prevention, and responsible ownership, with trained Animal Control Officers handling incidents safely and humanely.

A Commitment to Transparency and Community Partnership

Sheriff Dustin Smith emphasized that the BJA NTTAC assessment provides a valuable roadmap for continuous improvement:

“This process reaffirms our commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in public service. By working closely with our community and partners, we will continue to strengthen trust and deliver the professional, compassionate service our citizens deserve.”

The CCSO will use this report as a foundation for developing its upcoming strategic plan and training initiatives, ensuring continued alignment with evidence-based practices and community policing values. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office looks forward to working with our elected commissioners to bring these recommendations to fruition.