Lt. Dan Barnett, of the Columbia County Sheriff's Department, works on a report in the substation located in Auntie Em's ice cream parlor on Fury's Ferry Road. JIM BLAYLOCK/STAFF

Substations curbing crime

12 sheriff stations located in county make law officials more visible; cutting number of break-ins

Web posted June 29, 1998

By Peggy Ussery
Columbia County Bureau

In a matter of 10 days, the Augusta Golf Teaching Center fell victim to two burglaries. The first time, the facility lost a substantial amount of inventory -- and it hadn't even opened its doors.

``We began to look at different ways to protect our facility,'' said Mack Tucker, the center's vice president.

Then someone suggested that Mr. Tucker look into providing a sheriff's substation at the facility, located on Columbia Road. The substation opened two weeks ago -- one week after the facility opened.

So far, Mr. Tucker said, the police presence seems to be working.

``We are very pleased with what they have done,'' he said. ``We know they're out there.''

The golf teaching center is just one of several new substations that have popped up in recent months. Brandon Wilde Retirement Community and the new TPS gas station at Belair and Evans to Locks roads are also new sites for substations.

Capt. Steve Morris of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office said the ``store-front'' substations are making a difference in crimes such as armed robbery and entering auto.

Sheriff substations -- marked with signs -- are usually located in businesses, community centers or government offices. The locations provide officers with a place to write reports, use a telephone or take a break, Capt. Morris said. While officers are not constantly at the substations, he said, having them in the businesses makes law enforcement more visible and allows interaction with the public.

``The main focus is to pick a location within a beat,'' Capt. Morris said. There are currently 12 substations in Columbia County -- not including Harlem and Grovetown police departments, which the county also has access to, Capt. Morris said.

Usually, substations are opened at the public's request, he said. If there is a need in an area, then the sheriff's office will agree to use the location.

``I just thought it was a good idea for them and for us, too,'' said James White, director of resident services at Brandon Wilde. ``It gives confidence in the residents that live here.''

Brandon Wilde -- which also has its own security -- had been the target of several vehicle break-ins before the substation opened about two months ago. There have been no incidents since the substation opened, Mr. White said.

Capt. Morris said while the department cannot put a substation in every business, it will consider all requests.

``If the need is there, we'll gladly accept their invitation,'' he said. ``After all, we want to do everything possible to keep beat officers on their beats.''