In July 2001, Sheriff Diggs fulfilled his campaign promise of establishing a Crime Prevention Unit with one deputy sheriff. By 2004, Sheriff Diggs saw the need to increase the unit’s size and therefore created another position. The Crime Prevention Unit has two full time deputies that operate out of the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office.
The Crime Prevention Unit’s mission is to create awareness among York County residents and merchants as to the roles that they can provide in the reduction and / or prevention of crime. This mission is obtained through providing numerous presentations and programs to the communities, churches, businesses, schools, and civic organizations on topics such as Personal Safety, Home Security, Identity Theft and Scams, Neighborhood Watch, Refuse to be a Victim ®, Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events ©, Internet Safety to name a few.
Presentations and seminars are offered both in person and through online training.
The Crime Prevention Unit also coordinates several highly regarded programs such as, but not limited to, the Sheriff’s Citizen Academy, Sheriff's Business Academy, Sheriff’s Citizen Academy for YOUTH, Project Lifesaver, Robbery Prevention, Look Out / Lock Out, Residential and Commercial Security Surveys, CarFit Program, Community Engaged Crime Prevention Trailer Events, etc.
If you have any questions or would like to host a presentation, please feel free to contact Deputy Alan Bartnikowski at 757-890-3639 or Sergeant Shawn Kekoa-Dearhart at 757-890-3642.