Local News
Warren County Sheriff’s Office Honored with Dual Certifications in Law Enforcement Excellence and Crime Prevention
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Mark Butler, was recognized with two prestigious certifications, demonstrating the Department’s commitment to high standards and community safety. The recognitions were conferred by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services during a July 11th work session of the Warren County Board of Supervisors. While accepting the certifications, Sheriff Mark Butler credited his department and staff’s collective effort in achieving them — “Our agency won this,” Butler said in sharing the credit for the achievements.
At the 6 p.m. work session, the board also got an operational update from the Virginia Port Authority, including potential impacts on operations at the Authority’s Virginia Inland Port in Warren County’s north side; and several Human Resources matters, including “Compensation Structure Changes to Pay Bands” and descriptions or modifications to the Human Resources and Tourism Manager staff positions. The Pay Band adjustments were explained as an effort to encourage experienced, long-term County employees from reaching a salary ceiling that would encourage them to look for jobs elsewhere with more pay potential. See all these presentations and discussions in the linked County video.
But back on the work session’s opening agenda item, the Sheriff’s Office was front and center. The Sheriff’s Office was awarded the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission’s Accreditation and the Department of Criminal Justice Services’ Certified Crime Prevention Community status. These achievements place Warren County’s department amongst a distinguished group of law enforcement agencies, being one of the 103 accredited law enforcement departments and one of the 12 Certified Crime Prevention Communities in the Commonwealth.
These certifications acknowledge the department’s adherence to professional and ethical standards, as well as its dedication to community safety. Tina Sumpter, representative of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice, outlined the stringent review process the Warren County Sheriff’s Office had undergone to earn these certifications. The comprehensive evaluation involved examining administrative, operational, training, and personnel policies and procedures.
Sheriff Butler expressed immense pride in his team’s achievement, crediting the effort as a collective one. He stressed the role of community policing in maintaining safety and curbing crimes, from drug trafficking to human trafficking rings. For Butler, these certifications are not merely departmental accomplishments but a testament to the entire Warren community’s commitment to safety and law enforcement excellence.
This success also serves as a beacon of progress for Warren County, emerging from the shadows of past scandals. Supervisor Vicky Cook expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Sheriff Butler and the department for their service and dedication to the community, particularly towards the seniors and the youth.
With these accolades, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding law enforcement standards, ensuring community safety, and working tirelessly for the good of Warren County.
Watch the presentation on this exclusive Royal Examiner video by Mark Williams.
