Dear Editor:

As someone who’s had the opportunity to conduct two “ride along” experiences with Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office personnel over the past four months, I wanted to ‘pull back the curtain’ a bit and share some observations:
The young men and women who are on the front lines of public interface for the LCSO are qualified, highly professional, and have demonstrated their commitment to treating each subject (they do not call them ‘suspects’ – an important distinction) with whom they come in contact with humanity and respect.

During my experience in April, I observed “welfare checks” – a polite knock, a brief conversation, and a phone call to reassure a son or daughter who lives “away” that their aging relative is okay. Or, if circumstances warrant it, a referral to the LCSO Community Resource Officer for follow-up.

Recently we rolled up to an accident where a turkey had broken a motorist’s windshield and entered the car, scratching the occupants—a situation that readers would call preposterous if written into a novel.

The evening’s patrol delivered a different tone. After an interview with two guys who 'just looked out of place' and were sent along their way, and a vehicle stop involving an expired license plate and extended interview, two deputies partnered and followed up on a hunch, visiting the home of—and arresting—a subject with several warrants. The subject had been 'in the wind,' eluding law enforcement for some time, but he is now behind bars without incident. As that issue came to resolution, the deputy was called to assist in a successful intervention with a suicidal individual.

This is a shout-out to the officers with whom I’ve ridden: Deputies Sam Alexander, Kasey Doyle and Brandon Maciuba, and Sgt. Scott Hayden. Each one of them has been open to my questions and generous with their time and attention, but always focused on the task at hand: protecting our citizens.

Lincoln County is not Eden. Income and opportunity disparity, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and the full spectrum of the human condition visit us daily, in situations dire and mundane. We are fortunate that our sheriff, Todd Brackett, has built a solid team of law enforcement professionals who work together to protect us all from unknown unknowns.

Geoff Bates

South Bristol