Accompanied by members of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, students pass through metal detectors and other security systems for a tour of the jail. Once inside, students learn about inmate living conditions and experience first hand what it’s like being locked up in a jail cell.

The tour wraps up with a frank presentation from male and female inmates about their own life of crime.

These stories include drug experimentation and addiction, prostitution, gangs, AIDS, violence, and murder. Many inmates have children they have never seen, parents who refuse to speak to them, and so called friends who pretend they no longer exist.

This program takes place at the Dartmouth House of Correction and is geared toward students ages 10-18. Every precaution is taken to ensure the utmost safety of every participant.

Project SLAM can accommodate specific classroom needs. Opening panel discussions have included, but are not limited to, issues surrounding crime in general, the supply and demand of drugs, the role of the educator, and various career opportunities within the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. The program coordinator will work closely with the school or organizational leader to design a program appropriate for the specific subject matter. Many times educators will ask their students to write an observational analysis or critique of their experience.

To schedule a program contact. Monique Stylos, ADS Community Programs, at 508-995-6400.

Choices

Designed for kids of all ages, the Choices program brings a member of the Sheriff’s Office and/or inmates directly into the classroom or auditorium to discuss drug and alcohol abuse. Inmates share the consequences of their own bad decisions and the difficulties they face in jail, and upon their eventual release. The importance of education is emphasized as a major player in enabling young people to make good, healthy choices.

Both male and female inmates chosen to send this important message are carefully selected from a minimum security unit. Each presentation is individually designed to accommodate group size, allotted time frame, ages and backgrounds of participants. Program sites include, but are not limited to, public and parochial schools, after school programs, boys and girls clubs, and civic based groups. Workshops and presentations have also been coordinated for Awareness Days, Health Fairs, and Career Fairs.

Sheriff Hodgson started CHOICES in an attempt to reach young people in Bristol County with the message that students who stay in school are less likely to wind up in jail.

The Sheriff’s Office is committed to provide quality programs that impact the quality of life for America’s youth. We have continuously tailored our programs and presentations to address youth at risk issues. The programs listed here have been presented in various communities throughout Bristol County and are available to all Schools, Community Organizations, Parent/Teacher Groups, Courts, and Law Enforcement Agencies

Cell Phone Program

It seems everywhere you look lately someone is talking on a cell phone.  Once considered a luxury, these little devices have become a staple in our society.

Whether you’re calling friends to let them know you’re running late or checking in with the kids from the road, cell phones have become the ultimate in convenience, and for some people a cell phone can save their life.

“Betty” was on her way to see her doctor in Boston when her car broke down.  She didn’t have a cell phone and had no way of calling for help.  “Carol” is a victim of domestic violence.  Sometimes it’s impossible to use the house phone to call for help.

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson has heard these stories and is kicking off a new program that will help seniors in these situations.  “I am constantly looking for ways to help seniors who have spent their lives helping others,” says Hodgson.

Through the Emergency 911 Cell Phone program the Bristol County Sheriff’s office collects used cell phones at various locations throughout the county.  The BCSO has partnered with RMS Communications, a Florida based communications group that specializes in the recycling and remarketing of old cell phones.  The sheriff’s office mails collected phones to the company’s 911 Cell Phone Bank program.  In turn, the company converts the donated phones for emergency 911 use.  The sheriff’s office then receives a 911 cell phone that has been tested and packaged with an extra battery and a charger to distribute to the public, free of charge.

http://www.911cellphonebank.com

If you need a 911 cell phone, or would like to donate a used cell phone for the program, you can contact Monique Stylos at the Sheriff’s Office (508) 995-6400.

For additional information about any of the programs listed above, please contact:

Monique Stylos
ADS - Public Programs
508-995-6400