Category: Pine Bluff Commercial News
Sheriff's Office partners with AT&T for food donations
Pine Bluff Commercial
By Special to The Commercial
Posted May 22, 2020 at 12:01 AM
Members of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with AT&T’s “Believe Arkansas,” are donating food to help aid those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Believe Arkansas” is an AT&T employee initiative focused on addressing food insecurity with the most hunger-challenged populations across the state of Arkansas. The program has partnered with law enforcement agencies to provide bags of non-perishable food items (Patrol Packs) to be distributed to those facing food insecurity, according to a news release.
The Patrol Packs include items such as low sodium canned vegetables, canned tuna in water, peanut butter, canned soup, canned beans, fruit, canned chicken, canned ravioli or spaghetti, packaged meals such as mac & cheese or Hamburger Helper, and juice boxes. The Patrol Packs will be distributed each month until December to youth, seniors and others who have been impacted by the pandemic.
“We are very appreciative of our partnership with AT&T and the ability to make a difference in our local community during this difficult time,” Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. said. “We know people can’t get around like they normally would due to COVID-19 and we also know that people are not working and stores are struggling to keep shelves stocked. As the pandemic continues to affect everyday life, we will assist those in need and we want our community to know that you are not alone, we care, and we are here for you.”
Anyone who’s in need or knows someone who’s in need can email the sheriff’s office at alicia.dorn@jeffcoso.org or call 870-329-5638 to have their names added to the distribution list. The email should include the name and address so that deputies on patrol know where to deliver the Patrol Pack.
There are no exact delivery times, as deputies are still responding to emergency calls. They will make their way to locations while on their routine patrol.
Read More...Posted on 22 May 2020, 24:01 - Category: Pine Bluff Commercial News
Department heads oppose furlough during Quorum Court
Pine Bluff Commercial News
By Eplunus Colvin
Posted May 6, 2020 at 4:30 PM
An ordinance amending the budget for Jefferson County, Arkansas for a 30 percent slot reduction by way of furlough, was heavily discussed in a two-hour Quorum Court meeting Tuesday evening.
According to Justice of the Peace Ted Harden, under the furlough, employees would be able to draw unemployment and receive an additional $600 from the federal government for 14 weeks and the county would pay 50 percent of the insurance. “This is the best deal that I’ve seen,” said Harden. “I’ve looked at two or three different plans and the judge is behind this.“
According to the Chief of Staff, when doing her research on the Shared Work Program, a reserved account was needed, which Jefferson County does not have. She also stated doing a Shared Work Program would save them less money in comparison to furlough. “The revenues for March and the revenue for April are going to be down,” said Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson. ” Even with the businesses opening up like they are, and we are getting back to opening up everything, we know we are still at least a couple of months into having those revenues that are going to be down.“
While some of the committee agreed with the furlough, Justice Alfred Carroll said he could not support it.
“The majority of us have not heard the majority speak,” said Carroll. “We don’t have any documents to substantiate any of the numbers that we’ve heard about so that we can look at them ourselves and see what they say.“
The furlough would include every department in the county but Sixth Division Circuit Judge Earnest E. Brown Jr. said he respectfully disagreed with the Chief of Staff. “The judge said if we had any alternate ideas that the elected official had, to bring that forward,” said Brown. “The judge indicated his idea was to furlough but many other department heads who had another proposals, they could do that.“
Brown said he submitted his application Friday for the Shared Work Program and spoke with the director of the Arkansas Division of Workforce about the provisions of the program.
According to Brown, his application was approved and he provided confirming documents during the meeting.
“I am asking if a department can show that they can do a Shared Work Program or a reduction in hours, mine was reduced from 40 hours to 30 hours a week, they still would be eligible for the $600 and their unemployment through the shared work program, I’m asking for another approach,” said Brown.
The Chief of Staff questioned Brown stating the information she received from the assistant director was that the program had to apply to the entire county.
Brown stated each department could apply separately.
Robinson said the reason the furlough was chosen is because that was the best choice for the employees but he was willing to exempt Judge Brown due to his unique situation.
Under the program, Brown stated pay for his employees will be cut by 25 percent for 24 weeks and could be extended.
County Tax Collector Tony Washington said his department could not operate if his loses any staff.
“I have an automated fund that I can put two people in, the same as a furlough,” he said. “They will be no problem to the county at all. They will be nonexistent to the county budget.“ Washington explained that every office was different and he has the funds to run his office for up to five months.
County Assessor Yvonne Humphrey agreed with Washington saying this was her busiest time and she could not layoff anyone in personal property. “I agree with our judge on some things but somethings I just don’t,” said Humphrey. “You don’t personally know what goes on in each individual office.“
She goes on to say that the future is unknown but for now her job is to help the people that are employed and the citizens who elected them. “We have to kind of juggle stuff. If ya’ll don’t let us juggle stuff, we can’t do our job,” said Humphrey. “If we don’t learn how to juggle or maneuver and listen to what everybody is saying, we’re never going to come together as one.“
Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. said this dialogue should have took place early on so the committee could have had the opportunity to hear some of the alternatives and concerns. “You all know the job I do and there’s no secret the department I oversee make up the bulk of the budget,” said Woods as he explained his responsibilities as sheriff. “We employ the most people.“
Woods noted the city of Pine Bluff Work Shared Program excluded public safety and stated there was no guarantee the proposed furlough would benefit the entire county. “The city of Pine Bluff did the Share Work Program but they also made an exemption for public safety,” said Woods. “Public safety is not included. It’s not included for a reason. If you all read the newspaper, watch television, you talk to neighbors, you know why they weren’t included.“
Woods explained not excluding public safety would create foreseeable issues as he pointed out that almost every person in the room had a need for the Sheriff’s Office at one point. “If you do not make an exception for public safety then I’ll have to address what I have to do,” said Woods. “If I have to reduce the population down to 50 because that’s the only staff I have to operate, that’s what I’ll be willing to do.“
Woods addressed the committee to consider the public safety exemption when they roll out the plan.
A motion was made by Carroll to table the ordinance, which failed. The ordinance was then amended to exclude Brown and any other department that can show a plan that will match the savings of the furloughed plan by Monday, May 11.
Posted on 06 May 2020, 16:30 - Category: Pine Bluff Commercial News
JCSO Sheriff, mom sew face masks for staff
Pine Bluff Commercial News
By Shakari Briggs Pine Bluff Commercial
Posted Apr 11, 2020 at 12:01 AMUpdated Apr 12, 2020 at 6:26 AM
When Lafayette Woods, Jr., Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office sheriff, found out his staff didn’t have face masks, he leaped into action and even enlisted the help of his mother Gwendolyn Woods.
When Lafayette Woods, Jr., Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office sheriff, found out his staff didn’t have face masks, he leaped into action and even enlisted the help of his mother Gwendolyn Woods. The tag-team duo has sewn nearly 100 masks for employees at his office.
“As sheriff, I take the health and safety of our deputies as well as the administrative support staff very seriously,” said Woods. “With the ongoing spread of the coronavirus, it was particularly important for me to ensure that the necessary protections such as personal protective equipment (PPE) were in place to minimize potential exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect staff against health or safety risks on the job. However, immediate access to consumer or commercial grade PPE’s were a challenge due to the demand caused by COVID-19.“
Previously, health officials urged the public not to wear face masks unless they were sick in an effort to prevent a shortage for healthcare workers or first responders deemed to need them the most as they care for those infected with COVID-19. But, newly released studies prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to suggest people to at least wear a cloth face mask to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. According to the CDC, the virus spreads through people interacting in close proximity to each other by way of speaking, coughing or sneezing.
“The CDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States,” the agency said. “We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.“
While out conducting essential business like going grocery shopping, to a pharmacy or even areas of “significant community-based transmission,” health officials recommend Americans wear face masks excluding N95 masks--- used to protect the wearer from airborne particles and from liquid contaminating the face and set aside for healthcare and emergency personnel.
“Because of some recent information that the virus can actually be spread even when people just speak as opposed to coughing and sneezing -- the better part of valor is that when you’re out, when you can’t maintain that 6-foot distance, to wear some sort of facial covering,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director in an interview on “Fox & Friends” last week.
The City of Pine Bluff happened to be the first municipal to have a person test positive for COVID-19 in the state. Since Wed., March 11, 89 more people have tested positive for the virus in Jefferson County with at least one death reported.
“We needed some form of protection for our staff until our formal request made to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) through the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management could be fulfilled,” said Woods. “We didn’t wait until we received requests from staff for masks. Instead, we recognized the need and acted in a proactive manner.“
With a passion to help others, especially those in need, coupled with her stitching skills, Woods knew his mother was the perfect person to help him sew for a worthy cause.
“I love doing stuff like this,” said Gwendolyn Woods, a retired art teacher. “In fact, I recently had back surgery and I volunteer at the CASA Women’s Shelter and hadn’t been able to get up there. So, this was a good thing for me to jump at.“
After searching unsuccessfully for a face mask in stores, Tonya Harris admits she was glad to know she’d receive one from her boss.
“I felt a sense of relief,” Harris said. “I have checked the stores in our area weekly trying to purchase a mask. The COVID-19 virus is serious and being told there’s no clue when the store will get some masks can be frustrating.”
Crystal Ringo echoed the same sentiments as Harris about the colorful cotton masks they received as a gift.
“With all that is happening around the country and the world, it’s imperative that the sheriff’s office and staff be able to continue to serve our community safely,” Ringo said. “I was grateful that he and his mother thought of us. Masks are hard to come by, but because of them we have one.”
Posted on 11 Apr 2020, 24:01 - Category: Pine Bluff Commercial News
Woods reflects in first year at helm of JCSO
Pine Bluff Commercial News
Read Full Article
By Shakari Briggs Pine Bluff Commercial
Posted at 2:27 PM
With his first year as sheriff of Jefferson County behind him, Lafayette Woods, Jr. refuses to loiter when it comes to moving his office into the future.
With his first year as sheriff of Jefferson County behind him, Lafayette Woods, Jr. refuses to loiter when it comes to moving his office into the future. In fact, he’s already working on accomplishing a feat he says no other sheriff’s office in the natural state has managed to do.
“As part of the many focuses in my second year as sheriff, I am proud to share with citizens of Jefferson County our enrollment into the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.,” Woods said. “The accreditation is a process in which our agency will be evaluated on compliance with prescribed standards established by CALEA--- the gold standard in public safety. Out of the large number of municipal law enforcement agencies in the state of Arkansas, there are only six agencies that hold the distinction of being a CALEA Law Enforcement accredited agency.”
With the support and cooperation of the men and women in his office, Woods explains that last year he launched a website and mobile app with the intent to improve transparency and community and public relations. After going dormant for a few years, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Program returned with the acquisition of a new dog.
“Together, we are a reflection of the citizens of Jefferson County--- who we represent, protect, and serve,” Woods said of his employees. “We are all working together and our impact is visible in the community.“
Woods cites improved crime statistics over the past year to “increased trust in county law enforcement” combined with a “boost in employee morale” prompting deputies to “place service above self.”
“There was an increase by 55.56 percent in the category of theft of motor vehicles with a 41.67 percent decrease of other theft categories such as theft from building counterfeiting in 2019 compared to 2018,” he said. “In general, violent crimes were down with robberies reduced by 100 percent and property crimes are down with burglaries/breaking and entering reduced by 48.28 percent.”
Despite the improvements Woods made in his first year, it didn’t come without its various challenges. Just months after he was sworn in on Jan. 1, Jefferson County saw record-levels of flooding forcing residents to evacuate to seek shelter.
“During that time, we witnessed flooding in areas such as Island Harbor, Riverside Drive, and other areas in Pine Bluff,” Woods said. “Areas such as Knotts Island, Wright-Pastoria and Trulock Bay were also affected due to their close proximity to the Arkansas River and levees that parallel the river’s course. Overall, we were successful in working alongside very capable individuals to diminish the consequences of an even greater disaster narrowly avoiding injury or death.”
With the escape of two inmates--- Wesley Gullett, a suspected leader of a white supremacist gang and a fellow detainee Christopher Sanderson--- from the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center that allegedly occurred between 8:30 p.m. on Mon., July 29, and 4:30 a.m. Tues., July 30., Woods found himself at the center of a search for both men.
“Following an extensive manhunt with multiple agencies working together, both Gullett and Sanderson were later recaptured,” he said. “One thing that aided in the escape was the use of jail mat padding to construct makeshift “dummy bodies”, which were then placed in the beds of the escapees in order to give jailors the impression they were asleep. Additionally, when conducting cell counts, jail personnel failed to follow proper protocol revealed in an internal investigation that ultimately resulted in the termination of at least one detention center supervisor and a subordinate.“
Woods attributes vulnerabilities in the security caused by “structural deficiencies” as a result of a decade old building that also led to contraband entering into the detention center.
“I identified funding to support the construction of a security fence equipped with razor wire and an intrusion detention system along the upper perimeter of the detention center,” he said. “Additional cameras were also installed along the outer perimeter.”
Budget woes also surfaced as major hurdles for Woods last year and continue to be an issue for his office.
“At the onset of my first year in office, I was immediately faced with the challenge of an inadequate budget that threatened operations and personnel severely,” he said. “Essential positions including assistance to the juvenile justice center and adult jail administrators were carved out of the budget prior to me taking office. As a result, I was forced to operate with only one administrator for the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center and Jack Jones Juvenile Justice Center with maximum capacities of 316 and 87, respectively.”
Even with the challenges Woods encountered last year, he insists they motivate him to work harder on behalf of the citizens of Jefferson County.
“I made a promise to both voters and personnel that my vision of success for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office would be realized no matter the challenges,” he said. “Despite the challenges, I have remained focused on improving the standards in which we operate ultimately holding true to my vision of success.“
As Woods continues to make strides to better the lives of those living in Jefferson County, he says the alliances with other law enforcement agencies help in those efforts.
“As it relates to enhancing partnerships with neighboring agencies, our agency shares the responsibility of hosting quarterly meetings with the heads of law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction to include the Arkansas State Police, Pine Bluff Police Department, White Hall Police Department, Redfield Police Department and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Office of Public Safety,” he said. “This interagency collaboration has helped to promote greater efficiency in service delivery to our respective citizens while producing more public value by working together toward a common purpose or goal. I give credit to Pine Bluff police chief Kevin Sergeant who hosted the first meeting for bringing all agencies together.“
With a vision of pushing his office and Jefferson County into new heights, Woods’ gives credit to residents for trusting him to be the leader of that vision.
“With God guiding my career and citizens providing me with the opportunity to serve, there is no greater reward,” he said.
Posted on 26 Mar 2020, 21:25 - Category: Pine Bluff Commercial News
Jefferson County Sheriff Earns MBA
Pine Bluff Commercial News
By THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Posted May 15, 2018 at 11:27 AM
Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree from Liberty University at Lynchburg, Va., May 11.
“For me, this MBA degree can be summed up by one word —- achievement,” Woods said in a news release. “I’ve managed to achieve yet another goal. Life for me has been about setting goals and checking them off upon completion.”
The journey to the MBA came with its challenges, Woods said. During the last year of his 36-hour program, he kicked off his campaign for sheriff. One of those people counting on him to accomplish his goal was his father.
“Nearly 15 years ago, Lafayette Woods Sr. made the decision to further his education by obtaining a Master of Science degree in addiction studies at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff,” according to the release.
Woods earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from the UAPB in 2004, according to the release.
“I have always known that my education would not be limited to an undergraduate degree,” he said. “Education is something that my father instilled in my three siblings and me at an early age.”
Woods plans to use the skills he learned and apply them to his role as sheriff.
“An MBA has the potential to make a tangible impact on my agency, introducing cross-cultural management, global alumni networks and digital innovation to public safety,” he said. “As a veteran law enforcement officer now serving as the 32nd sheriff of Jefferson County, I believe the tools I acquired will help me in my role of public safety.”
The commencement speaker was Vice President Mike Pence. More than 20,000 graduated in Liberty University’s largest class in history, according to the release.
“As a devout Christian reared in a Baptist church pastored by my father, I found that Liberty’s philosophy of education intertwined with its Christian academic community matched my desire to study business at an institution whose vision involved developing Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge and skills essential to impact the world.”
Read More...Posted on 15 May 2019, 18:42 - Category: Pine Bluff Commercial News
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