Sheriff hits the streets for crime prevention walk

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For the third time since Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams took office, he's making it his mission for the community to see more law enforcement in the streets of Jacksonville.

"All of these walks are about building relationships in the community. I say it all the time, it's great for me to have relationships with people all around the community and business leaders and civic leaders and I will. But it's better for you to have a relationship with a policeman who works in your neighborhood," said Williams.

The sheriff, along with dozens of officers went door to door Thursday evening in Timothy's Landing to speak with multiple residents, who shared their concerns and plenty of appreciation.

Sabrina Thomas and her children are relatively new to the neighborhood. She told News4Jax she's happy to hear the sheriff makes the safety of her children his priority.

"It's so exciting coming from a community where you figure no one cares but just to have an opportunity for everyone to see everyone and the sheriff walking, it's phenomenal to just actually see that. The kids was really excited!" Thomas said. "I took the initiative and just got off work because they wanted to meet him so was just a pleasure."

"There are a lot of issues that impact children from sexual predators, traffic, to school zones-- we pay attention to all of that. And that will come up tonight and we will be ready," Williams said.

Williams encouraged citizens to get involved and join the Sheriff's Advisory Council. ShAdCo is a program that is set up in multiple neighborhoods and serves as an information exchange between the community and police.

For more information about ShAdCo visit COJ.net