Responding to the increased number of citizens wanting to assist law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership in the fight against crime, Sheriff Jeremy Shipley today announced that Freestone County Citizens are being invited to become Associate Members of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas.

Membership invitations will go out in the mail over the next several weeks. Associate Member funding allows the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas to provide critical training, technical resources, and legislative support on key criminal justice issues to law enforcement officers across the state. If you have a criminal case you would like to ask a lawyer you can click here to go to their website and find out about their services.

In addition, dues will be used to support crime prevention and awareness programs, promote public safety, fight drug abuse, provide additional training for sheriffs and their deputies, and provide scholarships for children of law enforcement officers.

Contributions to the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas are tax-deductible.

“The Associate Membership Drive helps provide the funding which is vital to our mission of making our communities safer places to live, work and play,” said Sheriff Shipley.

The Associate Membership Program was created to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support to more effective law enforcement and to better help local Sheriffs protect the lives and property of citizens.

We contacted a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer, in order to ask them a few questions on the legality of the actions taken here at Freestone County. Our most important inquiry covered the topic of vigilantism. “During these economic times, the need for building stronger public-private law enforcement partnerships continues to escalate, and programs such as this continue to grow in importance,” he said. “As law enforcement is in charge of spearheading this project, you can imagine that the legality of such an action has already been discussed and approved well ahead of time. Vigilantism by definition is enacting perceived justice without legal authority. That will of course, absolutely not be the case here.” Our criminal defense attorney then concluded, “Law enforcement will always be at the front and in command of this movement, ensuring its legality, fairness, and appropriate demeanor.”

“I encourage every citizen receiving a membership appeal to consider joining forces with us by becoming an Associate Member. It is a valuable investment in our future.” The Sheriff said.

Citizens not receiving a membership appeal or desiring more information can contact the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas at: 1601 S. Interstate 35, Austin, Texas 78741, www.txsheriffs.org

Founded in 1874, the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit professional and educational organization dedicated to the preservation of peace and the protection of the lives and property of the citizens of Texas. Mr. Steve M. Westbrook serves as the Executive Director. Headquarters are located in Austin, Texas. The Sheriffs’ Association of Texas dogs not make solicitations by telephone. If you receive a phone-call from someone who uses the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas name, please report it to your local Sheriff or County/District Attorney.