Octavia Johnson for Sheriff

SHERIFF JOHNSON SPEAKS AT RALLY

2009-10-30T17:43:00.001-07:00

In brief comments, Sheriff Octavia Johnson reminded supporters that she has 29 years of experience with the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office. She also said, "It is an honor to serve the citizens of Roanoke as their Sheriff. Safety and security have been my top priority. I have been progressively moving the Sheriff's Office into the 21st century by updating technology and replacing old equipment" Sheriff Johnson ended her comments by asking the crowd to vote on Tuesday, November 3rd.

The rally was held at the Roanoke Regional Airport, Wednesday afternoon October 29th. Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney spoke on behalf of the sate and local Republican ticket, encouraging supporters to use the final days before the election to make phone calls and knock on doors. Gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General candidate Ken Cuccinelli commended Sheriff Johnson for the job she has done as Sheriff of Roanoke City.

Ten Roanoke Sheriff’s Office Deputies Graduate

2009-10-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy recently held graduation exercises for the 46h Entry Level Jailor/ Court Services Class, at the Salem Civic Center. Ten Roanoke City Sheriff's Office deputies graduated with the class.

Class offices were held by Roanoke City Sheriff’s deputies: President - Deputy Mark Podlewski, Vice President - Deputy Joshua Bishop, Secretary-Treasurer and Chaplain – Kevin Compter, Sergeant-at-Arms - Deputy William Reynolds.

Class President, Deputy Podlewski gave inspiring remarks punctuated by his class mates shouting their motto: PRIDE, INTEGRITY and GUTS, SIR! Deputy Podlewski defined the motto and concluded his remarks with Psalms 91 which he claimed for himself and his fellow deputies.

The Distinguished Academic Performance Award was presented to Kevin Compter. Deputy Compter also received the Firearms Marksmanship Award and the Top Overall Graduate, W.D. Lorton - Grover T. Martin Award for Excellence in Training.

STOPPING MOTORCYCLE THEFT

2009-10-25T19:34:00.001-07:00

Free Motorcycle VIN Etching was sponsored by the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office, Roanoke Police Department and Virginia State Police HEAT program on Saturday, June 27 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Star City Powersports located at 5120 Peters Creek Road.

What is VIN Etching? VIN stands for vehicle identification number; every vehicle is assigned a number by the federal government. The HEAT program provides free VIN Etching for up to 16 parts of a motorcycle. No damage is done to the motorcycle through the process. VIN Etched parts help the police detect and identify stolen motorcycles.

Sheriff Johnson was very pleased with the turnout. With the help of volunteers from the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Roanoke Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tony Sowder and Sergeant Richard DeHaven; Roanoke Police Department’s Detectives H. McDaniel and J. Price; State Police Trooper Rick Garlett and Heat Administrators, they were able to provide VIN Etching for over 30 motorcycles.

If you missed this event and would like to have your vehicle or motorcycle VIN Etched the Roanoke Police Department, Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia State Police HEAT program are sponsoring a free VIN Etching for automobiles and motorcycles, Saturday, August 1, at Valley View Target located at 4802 Valley View Blvd., from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK

2009-10-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

National Child Passenger Safety Week was September 12-18, 2009. Saturday, September 12, seven local and regional agencies came together to stage a car seat check in the parking lot of Toys-R-Us at Valley View Mall in Roanoke. Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office, Roanoke Police Department, Roanoke Fire and EMS, Salem Police Department, Martinsville Police Department and Carilion participated in the car seat check.

Six stations were set up to move people in and out as quickly as possible. Each station was manned with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. To ensure proper installation every car seat inspected was removed, checked and properly installed. Over 30 car seats were inspected.

Sheriff’s Office Receives HEAT Award

2009-10-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

Sheriff Octavia Johnson and Deputy Anthony Sowder, (HEAT Coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office) were recently presented with the 2009 First Place Heatwave Award in their division at the Virginia Sheriff’s Association Conference. “We appreciate Deputy Sowder’s commitment to this program and we recognize the efforts of Sgt. DeHaven, Dep. Saunders and Dep. Hash who worked to make this program a success,” said Sheriff Johnson.
H.E.A.T. is an acronym for Help Eliminate Auto Theft. The Virginia Department of State Police and Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles work cooperatively with local law enforcement agencies to increase public awareness of the HEAT program. H.E.A.T. trains local law enforcement officers and provides support by supplying equipment, promotional materials to assist in the fight against auto theft.

GRANT AWARDED TO ROANOKE CITY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

2009-10-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

Sheriff Octavia Johnson is pleased to announce that the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a grant of $169,270.00. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant was awarded to the Sheriff’s Office by the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice.

The funds will be used to upgrade security at the Roanoke City Courthouse and Roanoke City Jail. The upgrades will enhance our ability to respond to threats directed at the building, judiciary, and the courthouse community. Sheriff Johnson stated, “The timing of this award is perfect considering the economic condition of our state. I am grateful and excited. The funds will allow us to replace radios and make much needed upgrades to the security system which will.

Roanoke City Jail Awarded National Accreditation

2009-10-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

Roanoke City Jail, Roanoke City Sheriff's Office has received re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections (CAC). The award was presented to Sheriff Octavia Johnson and her accreditation team on August 10, 2009, in conjunction with the American Correctional Association (ACA) Congress of Correction Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Lannette Linthicum, Chairperson of the CAC, and Harold Clarke, President of the ACA, complimented Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office on their professional level of operation and their success in completing the accreditation process.

The accreditation award represents completion of a rigorous self-evaluation, followed by an outside review by a team of independent auditors. Sergeant John Williams, Accreditation Manager; Captain David Bell, Support Services Division; and Sergeant Nicole Butterworth, Training Officer worked diligently with the staff in preparation for the audit.

April 9-11, 2009, the ACA executed a three day on-site assessment of the Roanoke City Jail to determine compliance with national standards. Members of the visiting committee were; Marvin Wilson, Chairperson; James Bailey and Robin White RN. They inspected the Roanoke City Jail and reviewed hundreds of compliance files; the auditors observed daily operations and conducted random interviews with deputies, inmates, and administrative staff. The visiting committee, at the exit interview, informed Sheriff Johnson that they found the employees of the Roanoke City Jail to be very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The Chairperson expressed appreciation for the cooperation of everyone concerned and congratulated the accreditation team for the excellent accreditation program they manage.

At the American Correctional Association Congress of Correction Conference in Nashville, TN, the Sheriff’s Office underwent a hearing before a Commission on Accreditation panel. Sheriff Johnson, Major Brubaker, Sergeant Williams, Captain Bell and Sergeant Butterworth presented an accomplished defense of the audit and visiting committee’s report. The hearing resulted in the commission granting all waivers and deeming all youthful offender standards non-applicable. The final report for the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office: 100% compliance with mandatory standards and 97.4% compliance with non-mandatory standards. Lack of compliance with the non-mandatory standards is due to the physical plant which would be cost prohibitive to correct.

The accreditation program is a professional peer review process based on national standards that have evolved since the founding of the Association in 1870. ACA standards address services, programs, and operations essential to effective correctional management. Through accreditation, an agency is able to maintain a balance between protecting the public and providing an environment that safeguards the life, health, and safety of staff and offenders.

Sheriff Johnson and the staff of the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office are committed and strive to provide a high quality of professional service. The three-year accreditation award granted to the Roanoke City Jail begins the accreditation process anew.

WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY

2009-08-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

Sheriff Johnson was the guest speaker at Wachovia Bank Center 's, Women's Equality Day, celebration this morning, Friday, August 28, 2009. Women's Equality Day was established in 1971 to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment, to the U.S. Constitution, awarding American women full voting rights in 1920.

TAP Day 2009

2009-08-21T14:36:00.001-07:00

TAP Day 2009 was held August 21 at the Skelton 4-H Conference Center. Special speakers for the event were Octavia Johnson, Roanoke City Sheriff and Court Rosen, Roanoke City Councilman .

GRAND SLAM SATURDAY

2009-08-21T13:20:00.001-07:00

Sheriff Johnson invites you join her for a day of free baseball fun, Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 AM -- 4 PM at River's Edge Sports Complex. The Sheriff's Office, Parks and Recreation, Police Department, and Roanoke Public Libraries are participating in Grand Slam Saturday, an Opportunity Through Baseball (OTB) event. Festivities include a wide variety of baseball-themed activities, games, crafts, and more! The Yard Baseball and Softball Training Facility will be present for interactive baseball skills clinics, and Salem Red Sox mascots Mugsy and Misty will be on hand. Radio station 108 WYYD will provide music and give away free Turkey Hill ice cream to attendees. Concessions will be sold on-site, with a portion of the proceeds going to OTB. Anyone donating a piece of new or used baseball equipment to OTB during the event will receive a ticket to any remaining 2009 Salem Red Sox home game.

FREE Vehicle Identification Number Etching

2009-07-31T16:05:00.001-07:00

Sheriff Johnson invites you to bring your vehicle and get it VIN etched for free, Saturday, August 1, from 10-2 PM, Target parking lot at Valley View. Roanoke City Sheriff's Office is hosting a HEAT, VIN Etching event with the Roanoke Police Department. Technicians etch your Vehicle Identification Number into all vehicle windows to discourage auto theft. No harm is done to the vehicle during the process.

Salem Fair

2009-07-11T18:38:00.001-07:00

Sheriff Johnson visited the Salem Fair Saturday afternoon. She dropped off some campaign materials at Morgan Griffith's booth and talked with Delegate Griffith and Congressman Bob Goodlatte. Sheriff Johnson supporters expressed how good it was to meet her in person after seeing her signs and watching her on TV.

Health and Safety Fair

2009-07-11T18:36:00.001-07:00

Roanoke Public Libaries held its Second Annual Health and Safety Fair, July 11, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Elmwood Park. Over 90 vendors participated in the event. Roanoke City Sheriff's Office was there encouraging parents to collect child DNA and have it on file to provide to law enforcement officers in the event their child should become missing. Sheriff Johnson and Sergeant LeMajor Hill also answered questions about the Sheriff's Office and the services it provides.

Operation FALCON

2009-07-09T16:41:00.001-07:00

Roanoke City Sheriff's Office participated in Operation Falcon for the second consecutive year. FALCON stands for Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally. Sheriff Octavia Johnson authorized her deputies to participate in the month-long fugitive apprehension effort in June. Deputy U S marshals partnered with sheriff deputies, local police, and state officers to locate and remove violent offenders from our community.

SIGNS

2009-07-09T16:39:00.001-07:00

Purple and white Octavia Johnson Roanoke City Sheriff signs are appearing all around the city. Campaign manager, Mary Bishop acquired a location for a sign on Franklin Road. Wednesday, July 8, Sheriff Johnson was introduced to Tony Anduiza owner of Hair Mania Salon at 2125 Franklin Road .

OLD GLORY

2009-07-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

Sheriff Octavia Johnson attended the Beltone Flag Raising Ceremony with her great nieces: Tyanna and Keondra McKinney. The ceremony was held 10:00 AM, July 3 at the Beltone office located at 581 and Elm Avenue. The flag will be flown 24 hours a day and lighted through the night. Senator John Edwards gave an eloquent speech on the history of the American flag. Other dignitaries in attendance were; Senator Ralph Smith, Delegate Morgan Griffith, Mayor David Bowers and Bill Cleveland, Republican candidate for the House of Delegates.

2nd Helpings

2009-07-03T18:47:00.001-07:00

Thursday, July 2, Sheriff Octavia Johnson went to the Rescue Mission's 2nd Helpings pre-opening party held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Civic Mall, 1502 Williamson Road. She bumped into old friends and found a few treasures. 2nd Helpings consists of a shop, gallery and cafe. It opens to the public Monday, July 6th. "It is a great place for one stop shopping. I encourage you to visit 2nd Helpings for a wonderful breakfast or lunch and to shop for your personal treasure" said Sheriff Johnson.

Republican Women Retreat

2009-07-03T18:44:00.001-07:00

gave a dynamic speech to the group.

Sheriff Octavia Johnson attended the 5^th Annual Suzanne Curran Republican Women Retreat Saturday, June 27 at Holiday Inn Valley View. Maureen McDonnell spoke at the retreat and encouraged the women to continue their grass roots efforts. Sheriff Johnson talked with her before Maureen had to leave for her next engagement.

Susan Allen gave a dynamic speech, enlivening the crowd. Octavia and Susan talked briefly during a break. Octavia had the opportunity to talk with Republican candidate for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli before he made his presentation. "It was an excellent conference with great speakers, good information and ideas" said Sheriff Johnson, "It was great to see old friends and to meet and talk with other candidates."

V.F.R.W. PRESENTS SHERIFF JOHNSON WITH A CHECK

2009-06-30T14:45:00.001-07:00

Ms. Brenda Campbell, President of the Virginia Federation of Republican Women (V.F.R.W.), presented Sheriff Octavia Johnson with a check for $1000.00 in support of her campaign for re-election. The V.F.R.W. has been very supportive of Sheriff Johnson. The encouragement they gave her during the 2001 Virginia Federation of Republican Women's Conference was like wind on her back pushing her toward victory in 2005.

The goal of the V.F.R.W. is to provide the opportunity for women from all age groups and walks of life to actively participate in the political arena on national, state and local issues. They promote political awareness and recruit qualified candidates. The V.F.R.W. encourages women to assume leadership roles in government, the Republican Party, and in the community as policy planners, decision makers, and potential candidates.

BUFFALO SOLDIERS THROW DOWN IN DA VALLEY

2009-06-24T14:54:00.001-07:00

The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Roanoke, led by Mr. Aaron "T-Bone" Thompson, held their Fourth Annual THROW DOWN IN DA VALLEY, June 21-22, 2009. Sheriff Octavia Johnson stopped by to meet with old friends and greet guests. Several people requested a photo with the Sheriff of Roanoke. Octavia could not resist standing amidst the sea of motorcycles. The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Roanoke knows how to make you feel at home. It was a wonderful gathering of Buffalo Soldier Motorcycle Clubs from all over the country.

CAMPAIGN NOTES

2009-06-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 21, 2009, Sheriff Johnson started the morning with a stop at headquarters to drop off campaign materials. Field Director, Brent Perrin and Trixie Averill admired Octavia's palm card before talking strategy over coffee. Then Octavia was off with a friend to knock on doors. She didn't have to knock on many, because most people were out working in the yard.

Roanoke Valley Republican BBQ

2009-06-22T09:10:00.001-07:00

Sheriff Johnson left the Juneteenth celebration at Washington Park and traveled across town to Fallon Park for the Roanoke Valley Republican BBQ from 4:00pm - 9:00pm.Octavia met and enjoyed talking with Ken Cucinelli, Virginia's Republican candidate for Attorney General.

Fw: JUNETEENTH

2009-06-17T21:16:00.001-07:00

--- On Thu, 6/18/09, electoctaviajohnson@yahoo.com <electoctaviajohnson@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: electoctaviajohnson@yahoo.com <electoctaviajohnson@yahoo.com>
Subject: JUNETEENTH
To: idzyn.octavia@blogger.com
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 12:04 AM

Sheriff Octavia Johnson did not miss the SCLC's Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration held in Washington Park on Saturday, June 13, 2009 . It was a wonderful gathering of family, friends and community leaders.

Sheriff Johnson talked with citizens, visited the different vendors and caught up with her Mary Kay representative, Pamela Banks. At the Harrison Museum of African American Culture table she met the Curator and laid the ground work for a future partnership between the Museum and the Sheriff's Office.

Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office Provides Mutual Aid with Tactical Team Response to VA Tech Tragedy

2008-06-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Sheriff Octavia Johnson deployed the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office Tactical Team to support the Virginia Tech Police Department and responding agencies in response to the horrific events that occurred on Monday, April 16, 2007.

Thirteen tactical team members under the direction of Lt. James Ferguson, arrived on the scene at approximately 13:15 hrs. After reporting to the Incident Command Center, the team was briefed and given orders. The assigned duties included clearing buildings, searching for explosive devices and seeking out possible students who may have hidden in buildings during the attack. Tactical team members also provided perimeter security around Norris Hall.

Recognizing the seriousness of the tragedy members of the team were focused and performed their duties in a strategic manner. When responding to dangerous and tragic events professional training takes over and guides actions. The entire team performed their duties in a professional and efficient manner. At 18:30 hrs State Police Officers relieved the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office Tactical Team.

When asked about the psychological impact it may have had on the team, Lt. Ferguson responded, "Team members were not exposed to the shock and trauma that many first responders experienced. We could not prevent the shooting but the fact that we were able to do something to be of assistance has given us a sense of goodwill."

Counseling was offered and available on site at VA Tech. However, no one in the group utilized the services. Open channels are being maintained to ensure the well being of each member who participated.

Sheriff’s Office Acquires Interpretation Service

2008-06-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

Roanoke City Sheriff's Office has contracted with Language Line Services, the leading provider of interpretation services. This service enables deputies to communicate with limited-English proficient people.

Population changes in the Roanoke Valley have generated increased demand for interpreting languages. Roanoke City Sheriff's Office now has access to interpreters for more than 170 languages; 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Language Line Services, the world's leading provider of language-based services, is a trusted partner to thousands of organizations whose focus is to effectively serve the rapidly expanding market of limited English speakers.

INMATE WORK CREWS AT HABITAT

2008-06-22T10:45:00.001-07:00

Roanoke City Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate work program in the City Jail. It includes daily maintenance of the jail and community service. Participants in the program are carefully screened by Classification to ensure the safety of the community.

Inmate Work Crews perform vital work in the community, completing projects for the city and non-profit organizations. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that Sheriff Johnson has approved the utilization of Inmate Work Crews for specific projects including the preparation for the Halloween fund raiser.

The principal value of the Inmate Work Crew program is the opportunity it provides for the development and revival of skills and work habits instrumental in the inmate's successful occupational adjustment in the community. It is an opportunity to receive a form of vocational training which may provide the inmate with the necessary skills to obtain similar jobs upon reentry into society.

Inmate Work Crews program provides a vital service to the City of Roanoke saving hundreds of thousands in taxpayer dollars. It also enables non-profits to better utilize their work force and funds.

Roanoke City Jail Awarded National Accreditation

2008-06-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

August 14, 2006 the Roanoke City Jail was reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections (CAC). Sheriff Johnson and her accreditation team were honored when presented with the certificate at the 136th Congress of Correction in Charlotte, North Carolina. Roanoke City Jail was the first jail in the state of Virginia to comply with ACA's Fourth Edition of Adult Local Detention Facilities Standards.

Chairperson of the CAC and President of the American Correctional Association (ACA) complimented Sheriff Octavia Johnson and her staff on their professional level of operation and their success in completing the accreditation process.

Accreditation Manager, Sergeant Amanda Tuck and Professional Standards Director, Lieutenant Bobby Russell worked diligently with the staff in preparation for the audit held in April. The ACA executed a three day on-site assessment of the Roanoke City Jail to determine compliance with national standards. A three member team, Jackie Ryles-Harris, Milton Scarborough and Fred Oliva visited the Roanoke City Jail. They inspected the facility, reviewed hundreds of compliance files, conducted random interviews with deputies and administrative staff and observed daily operations.

The Sheriff's Office then underwent a hearing with a committee of the commission, a diverse group of six hailing from different states across the country. Sheriff Johnson, Major Brubaker, Sergeant Tuck and Lieutenant Russell mounted an accomplished defense of the audit and visiting committee's report. It resulted in the commission granting all waivers and accepting all prescribed plans of actions for compliance.

The accreditation program is a professional peer review process based on national standards. ACA standards address services, programs and operations essential to effective correctional management. Through accreditation, Roanoke City Jail is able to maintain a balance between protecting the public and providing an environment that safeguards life, health and safety of staff and offenders.

Seven Roanoke Sheriff’s Office Deputies Graduate

2008-06-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy held graduation exercises for the 45th Entry Level Jailor/ Court Services Class, Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at the Salem Civic Center. Seven Roanoke City Sheriff's Office deputies graduated with the class. Deputy Derick Duffy served as class Chaplain and offered the Invocation and Benediction at the graduation.

The Distinguished Academic Performance Award was presented to Derick Duffy, Robert Feather and Christina Graham. Derick Duffy received the Firearms Marksmanship Award. The Top Overall Graduate, W.D. Lorton - Grover T. Martin Award for Excellence in Training went to Christina Graham. Deputy Graham is one of three women to receive this prestigious award.

Joint Training Exercise

2008-06-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

In a continued effort to promote preparedness, Sheriff Octavia Johnson authorized a joint training exercise with the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office Tactical Team, Roanoke City Police Department and Carilion. Wednesday evening, April 23, the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office Tactical Team, Roanoke Police Department's Tactical Team and members of Carilion Security converged at Carilion Community Hospital to act out three emergency situation scenarios:

• A domestic dispute in a dorm room escalates into a hostage
situation.

• A mentally disturbed hospital patient wounds one officer and
overpowers and takes another officer hostage.

• A gang related dispute breaks out in the ER and mushrooms into
a riot.

In each case, Carilion Security was first on the scene. The Roanoke Police Department and the Roanoke Sheriff's Office were called for back-up and the tactical teams responded. Patients, portrayed by members of the Citizens Police Academy, were evacuated and the emergency situation resolved. After each exercise a de-brief was held to discuss problems presented and possible solutions.

Law Enforcement Memorial Service

2008-06-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

The Roanoke Police Department and Roanoke City Sheriff's Office will hosted a memorial service to honor fallen law enforcement officers of Roanoke City. The memorial service was held Thursday, May 14, 2009, 4:00 PM at First Christian Church located at 344 Church Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA.

In her opening remarks Sheriff Octavia Johnson stated that this year, nine officers have fallen in the state of Virginia. Sheriff Johnson also honored Officer Brian Lawrence for his courage and dedication. Officer Lawrence was viciously attacked and sustained injuries that
left him disabled.

Rev. William L. Lee, Loudon Avenue Christian Church, delivered a powerful keynote address. He asked the members of the audience to take a closer look at the Man Down Sculpture in front of the Roanoke Police Department. Rev. Lee praised law enforcement and safety workers for the service they provide. He said because of them he did not worry when he went to sleep at night.

Chief A. L. Gaskins and Sheriff Octavia Johnson read the Roll Call of Roanoke City's fallen law enforcement officers. At the end of the Roll Call, Max Leach played Taps. In 1962 a joint resolution of Congress, signed by President Kennedy, established May 15 as National Law Enforcement Memorial Day and the week in which May 15 occurs each year as National Police Week. Law enforcement agencies across the United States dedicate this week to pay respects to those who lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Sheriff’s Office 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

2008-06-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Roanoke City Sheriff's Office held its Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 16 at Countryside Golf Club in Roanoke. The format was Captain's Choice; Twenty-five teams participated in the tournament. One hundred golfers competed for prizes donated by local businesses.

Sheriff Johnson presented award plaques to the first, second and third place teams and also to the winners of the longest drive and closet to the pin. The 2009 first place winners were Alvin Nash (captain), Bill Nunnenkamp, Mark Thompson and Ron Smith.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

N.C.C.H.C. Accreditation

2008-06-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Roanoke City Jail was reaccredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). Accreditation is a process of external peer review in which NCCHC, a private, not-for-profit organization, grants public recognition to correctional institutions that meet its nationally accepted Standards for Health Services. The areas covered by the Standards include:

• Maintaining a safe and healthy environment
• Personnel and training
• Health care services support
• Inmate care and treatment
• Health promotion and disease prevention
• Special inmate needs and services
• Health records
• Medical-legal issues
• Facility governance and administration

Prison Health Services (PHS) is contracted to provide health services to inmates in the Roanoke City Jail. Accreditation Manager, Sgt. John Williams; Professional Standards Director, Lt. David Bell; and Training Officer, Sgt. Nicole Butterworth worked diligently with Dr. Berdeen and Christy Hodges of PHS, and the jail staff in preparation for NCCHC's on site survey by health professionals experienced in correctional health care.

May 2008, NCCHC conducted a two day on-site survey of the Roanoke City Jail to determine compliance with national standards. A two member team, comprised of a retired registered nurse, Marian Page and a doctor, Sam Kulkarni. They reviewed medical documents and policies and procedures; interviewed health staff, deputies and inmates, toured the facility; and discussed preliminary findings at the exit conference.

The survey team submitted a report to NCCHC's accreditation committee, which meets three time a year. Without knowing the facility's identity, the committee evaluated Roanoke City Jail's compliance with its standards and rendered a professional judgment to award the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office with National Commission on Correctional Health Care Accreditation.

Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office Implements VINE

2008-06-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sheriff Octavia Johnson and Delegate William Fralin announced the launch of VINE, Victim Information and Notification Everyday. It is the nation's foremost victim notification solution. Delegate Fralin, a strong advocate of VINE, introduced House Bill 21 in 2006, which added that victims be notified when an accused is released on bail. Roanoke City Sheriff's Office has anticipated the implementation of VINE since August 2006. At that time Governor Kaine announced that a criminal tracking and victim notification system used in Virginia prisons would be expanded to include offenders held in local jails.

VINE, is a free and anonymous service that keeps crime victims informed of the custody and court status of offenders over the telephone, through Internet or by e-mail. The initiative is a
partnership between the Commonwealth, the Virginia Sheriffs' Association (VSA) and the Virginia Center for Policing Innovation (VCPI). The VSA received a grant of 1.25 million from the U. S. Bureau of Justice Assistance to fund the project with a goal of bringing as many states as possible together into a national victim notification network.

VINE was developed after a young woman, Mary Byron, was murdered in 1993 in Kentucky. Despite her request, she had not been notified when her offender was released on bail. He consequently stalked and murdered her. VINE was created by Appriss Inc. based in Louisville, Kentucky and was contracted by the VSA to implement the program in Virginia.

VINE arms victims with information they can use to protect themselves. Users of VINE may call 1-800-467-4943 or log onto www.vinelink.com at any time, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to find out if an offender is in jail. They may also register by phone to be notified when an offender is released, transferred or escapes.

Grandin Court Elementary Students Tour the Courthouse

2008-06-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

Ms. Jane Mobley and Mrs. K. Thompson's, students from Grandin Court Elementary School lined up on the steps of the Roanoke City Courthouse and were greeted by Ms. Marion Van Howard. "Have you ever seen a woman sheriff?" Ms Howard asked the group of 21 5th graders, they responded in unison, "No."

Before the students began their tour of the courthouse Sheriff Octavia Johnson spoke with them briefly. She told the class that they could look at what she has done and know that they could become what they want to be, When Sheriff Johnson encouraged the students to dream beyond their capabilities one student responded that she wanted to be an astronaut and another said she wanted to be the first woman president.

Tim Young, DARE Deputy for Grandin Court Elementary, stated that the students were very interested, they got to hear court cases in traffic and criminal court.