K-9 Program
In 2016 Sheriff Root launched the Laurel County Sheriff's Office K-9 program. Pictured below are Edge which has been with the program since its inception and Maverick which came to LCSO in 2020. Both K-9's are dual purpose and assist the Sheriff's Office with drug detection and the apprehension of criminals. K-9's and handlers are certified through National Narcotics Detector Dog Association (NNDDA).
Sgt Mehler and Deputy Miller along with their K-9 partners also participate in many educational programs and demonstrations.
Sgt Gary Mehler
K-9 Edge
Deputy Jake Miller
K-9 Maverick
School Resource Program
In 2018 Sheriff Root implemented LCSO's first certified School Resource Officer, Deputy Brad Mink.
School Resource Officers or (SRO's), are members of the Law Enforcement community who teach, counsel and protect the School community. When SRO's are integrated into a school system, the benefits go well beyond a reduction in violence. The officers often build positive relationships with the students while serving as a resource to students, teachers and administrators to help solve problems. SRO's main role is to provide a safe and secure environment for education while being a positive influence to help build community relationships.
-Shop With A Cop
-Church Security Program
Lieutenant Edwards is an original member of the Shop With A Cop Program with over 2000 children served since its inception. Edwards also teaches a Church Security program at many local churches to include inner and outer security as well as security team training. This program also includes training for active shooters, police response and crisis situations. Other programs offered are drug identification, human trafficking and hostage situations to Schools and organizations.
For more information on Shop With A Cop or any of these programs please contact Lieutenant Edwards
Drug Interdiction
To emphasize his "War on Drugs" Sheriff Root was the first Laurel County Sheriff to utilize a full time dedicated Drug Interdiction Unit
Deputy Landry Collett and Deputy Justin Taylor have been appointed as the Laurel County Sheriff's Drug Interdiction Team. Their primary focus is to interdict Illegal Drug Trafficking coming into and through Laurel County
-Women's Self Defense
-Child Safety
Special Deputy Elizabeth Sparks obtained her certification for women's self defense in 2014. Since then she has had training in various areas including child and youth safety. Deputy Sparks offers the following programs and more. If you don't see a program that you are interested in please contact her.
-Women's Self Defense
-Youth Abduction Prevention
-Anti-Bullying
-Human Trafficking Awareness
-Home Safety
-Parent Guardian Education for:
( Social Media, Drugs, Youth Issues )
These programs are offered at no charge to individuals or groups. For more information or to enroll contact Deputy Sparks