The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office was recently honored with two published articles in a national magazine describing innovative YCSO programs. The “Sheriff” magazine published both articles in their January/February 2011 edition. Each issue of the “Sheriff” magazine highlights successful law enforcement programs from around the country and targets law enforcement readers on federal, state and local levels.

The first article introduces “Deputy Do-Right,” the YCSO mascot seen around Yavapai County at child safety education assemblies and community events. “Deputy Do-Right” is part of the “Right-by-Kids” program that focuses on safety for children in grades K-4. The article, written Law Enforcement Education Deputy (LEED) Scott Reed, explains the unique approach of this program created by Sheriff Steve Waugh in 2005. The Sheriff recognized that a mascot, utilized properly and responsibly, can be a powerful education tool reinforcing safety techniques and valuable principles. The mascot, along with the skillful blending of magic, music and puppetry, make for an entertaining show BUT more importantly, a show with messages kids will remember. Deputy Do-Right’s slogan, “YOU WIN OR LOSE BY THE WAY YOU CHOOSE!” is part of the theme at every safety event he attends. The article is an insightful and comprehensive explanation of why YCSO is “Right-by-Kids.”

The second article presented an overview of the Restoration to Reformation (RTC) service. RTC provides mental and behavior health services for incarcerated individuals unable to meet the competency needs of court procedures. The goal of this service is to ready the inmate for trail and protect their constitutional rights as a defendant. Before April 1, 2010, Yavapai County defendants in need of RTC were sent to the Arizona State Hospital (ASH) in Phoenix. The State of Arizona previously covered the RTC costs for the smaller counties such as Yavapai County, but the recent budget crisis means Yavapai County is now responsible for all of this cost. The projected cost for use of ASH in 2010 exceeded well over 2 million dollars.

County officials, under the direction of Sheriff Waugh, elected to expand its existing partnership with Wexford Health Sources, who provides the RTC program with administrative personnel and professional mental health clinicians. Jail Medical Administrator Becky Payne indicates a 66 percent cost savings to Yavapai County since the program’s inception.

You can view these articles from our link at www.ycsoaz.gov. Check the top of the home page under “Spotlight On…” to access the stories.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at (928) 771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov