New Forrest County Sheriff Charles Sims starting putting his department in order Monday afternoon, beginning with the swearing in of his deputies and staff at the Billy McGee Law Enforcement Complex.
To begin the ceremony, Sims told the audience, which included family members, his vision for the department.
“This is a new day for Forrest County,” he said. “It is going to be a day when this agency is open, transparent, and everything we do people are going to know about. I am excited to have you all here, and I am excited for the next four years.”
After the swearing in, the sheriff’s office conducted an inventory, held a department meeting with Sims’ plans and expectations, and had a catered meal. After a prayer from former Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Scott Murphy, Sims spoke about his plans for the department.
“This agency is one team, one body,” he said. “We all have different functions, but in the end we are all moving in the same direction; we are all on the same team. It is very important for us to realize that.”
Sims read a mission statement before the swearing-in ceremony.
“The Forrest County Sheriff’s Office exists because community through government empowers the sheriff’s office to do the job,” he said. “The sheriff’s office and its employees are tasked to function effectively, partly through personal efforts and commitment to the profession, but primarily because the community has faith and confidence in our ability to accomplish the task and enforce the laws of the land and respond to the community concerns in an honest and impartial manner.
“The citizens of Forrest County are entitled to expect from us a sheriff’s office that is beyond reproach . . . that is impartial and courteous in service, that is open and honest in communication that encourages trust, and that is responsible for the management of the sheriff’s office.”
Sims said the department later that afternoon would give the deputies and staff their expectations for their positions.
“Until they know what I expect of them, I can’t hold them accountable,” he added. “Once I go over what our mission statement is going to be, what our goals are going to be, what our policy and procedures are – once they know that, then they will be held accountable. Like I said this afternoon, we are going to serve Forrest County with courtesy and respect; we are going to be professional in servicing their needs. That is first and foremost in importance.”