The Norfolk Sheriff's Office realizes that our public safety mission extends beyond the walls of the Norfolk County Correctional Center. Many offenders are incarcerated as a result of poor decision making, often beginning at an early age. The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office has launched a number of programs targeted towards providing the young people of Norfolk County with a variety of skills including communication, self-confidence, and self-esteem which will enable them to set goals and make positive choices as they progress into their teenage years and as adults. Many of these programs are offered free of charge to local schools, teams, clubs, and community organizations.
The Norfolk County Sheriff's Youth Leadership Academies are designed to help youths age 10-to-14 develop the crucial skills needed in the modern world. Using experiential and adventure education, participants in the academy learn to overcome challenges and reflect on what they learned and the skills they needed to be successful. This helps young participants set goals and come up with strategies on how to achieve these goals.
Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office provides adventure based team-building programs at its high and low ropes challenge course at our Braintree Public Safety Complex. These programs are available free of charge to Norfolk County schools, teachers, coaches, youth groups and certain non-profits for one day visits, during the spring and fall.
The Youth Empowering Seniors (YES) Program is a partnership between the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office and local high schools which provides area seniors with assistance utilizing modern technologies. Student volunteers are paired with senior citizens and answer questions on how to use various electronic devices (computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.) and communication methods including, text messaging, facetime, and email.
The Norfolk Sheriff Office’s recently launched a new initiative focused on dangers behind the wheel. The center-piece of the program is our simulator “Drive Square,” which utilizes an actual automobile to show the effects of distracted driving such as texting while driving, as well as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This program is available free of charge can be transported to local schools and set up onsite.
In conjunction with local fire departments, outreach officers also offer fire safety training utilizing NSO’s “Smoke House” simulator trailer which presents realistic situations, and our propane-operated “Fire Pit” allows students to practice with real extinguishers.
The Sheriff's Office, working in partnership with local schools and local police departments, offers jail tours to area students. Students are given the opportunity to learn about the day to day operations of the sheriff’s office, the average day for an inmate, and the programs offered to inmates by the sheriff’s office.
Our Outreach Officers travel the county educating young people on the dangers of drug use (opiates and marijuana in particular). Specific attention is placed on making good decisions, maintaining healthy habits, quality friendships, and the effects of drugs on the body and appearance.