Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office takes part in Movement Forward initiative to build stronger community relationships

The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is committed to fostering better relationships between law enforcement and the community through their participation in Movement Forward, an initiative that seeks to enhance deputy presence in neighborhoods. The aim is to have deputies attend local sporting events for children and engage in outreach programs within the community.

Sheriff Antonio Hash emphasized that it is essential to support the community by showing up for good times, which would enable law enforcement to build trust with residents. “When they see you show up on good times, when you have to show up on bad times, they’re more in a position to have a conversation with you and to give you information because now they can trust you,” he explained.

Roanoke City is the only law enforcement agency in Virginia involved in this initiative, with 21 individuals currently participating in the program. The sheriff’s office is actively seeking partnerships with organizations to expand its outreach efforts and engage more with the community.

In conclusion, the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is working to establish a more significant presence in the community and build trust with residents through their participation in Movement Forward. The initiative encourages deputies to attend events for children and engage in community outreach, which is expected to improve relationships between law enforcement and the community.