Sheriff Hammond introduces LAWS program to Red Bank High

RED BANK, Tennessee(WDEF) – In an effort to increase law enforcement presence in Hamilton County schools along with improving communications between kids and law enforcement, Sheriff Jim Hammnd has kick started a new program called LAWS.

Sheriff Jim Hammond may be the top law enforcement official in Hamilton County, but Thursday morning he put on his teacher’s hat to educate seniors at Red Bank High School about law enforcement. It’s the start to his new program called LAWS which is short for Law Enforcement Actively Working in Schools.”

“As sheriff, I want them to simply understand the role of law enforcement and how law enforcement is not there to hinder them from having a good time but helping them be responsible adults,” Hammond said.

The program is not only aimed at increasing law enforcement presence in schools to ensure student safety, but also to improve lines of communication between students and law enforcement officials who work within the school system.

“I Think there’s a general trend to think that sometimes the police are the enemy, especially for young people who want to party and get out there and have fun. Sometimes they’re not quite mature enough to understand what can happen and what can go wrong. So we’re here to say to them that we are here to help you and not stand in your way of having a good time,” Hammond said.

Red Bank senior Johnny McGahee Told News 12 he fully understands that perception by some students. He also said it meant a lot for Sheriff Hammond to discuss that issue in detail.

“I think that them coming down here to talk to us has given us a comfortable feeling between  so that we can be eye-to-eye and not feeling like they’re just doing this to hurt us,” McGahee said.

The program also allows Sheriff Hammond the opportunity to meet with individual school principals and resource officers to discuss issues that may be impacting certain schools.

For now, the LAWS program will focus on middle and high schools in Hamilton County then gradually incorporate elementary schools.