Sheriff Aaron D. Kennard is the executive director of the Alexandria-based National Sheriffs’ Association, the group tasked by President George W. Bush to promote neighborhood watch programs across the country. Kennard moved to Virginia after landing the executive director job and retiring as the sheriff of Salt Lake County, Utah. Today he is scheduled to testify at a congressional hearing regarding the role sheriff’s departments play in homeland security.
What role does the association play in promoting neighborhood watch programs?
We work with police departments and sheriff’s offices across the country to help the establish neighborhood watch programs by providing training, showing them how to get the programs started and helping them find grant money to do so.
Why is neighborhood watch important?
Neighborhood watch is critical to law enforcement. Cops can’t be everywhere, and the watchers become the eyes and ears of a department. They assist in both preventing crime and helping to solve crimes. The programs build confidence between residents and law enforcement. It gets the whole neighborhood involved and taking ownership of their community. Nowadays everyone is so busy and they’re often not getting involved in their community. It really does take a village to raise a family, and everyone needs to get involved.
What other initiatives is the association currently promoting?
We’re very focused on how the sheriff’s offices can assist the federal government with homeland security. Since [Sept. 11] there’s been a greater recognition that it’s first responders, such as local law enforcement, that are in the best position to prevent and react when there’s a terrorist attack. We’re working on making sure sheriff’s offices are trained and prepared. The association is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security to develop and implement training materials.
– Freeman Klopott
