Springfield Puts the Unity in Community

Editor's note: The following statement was provided to HubSpringfield.com in writing on September 12, 2024.

Statement form Clark County Sherrif's Office Chief Deputy Mike Young:

I have heard a quote before that you are either winning or learning... Right now we are learning, and what the community is learning right now will be defined in the response we make. I know the Springfield area puts the unity in community like no other and we will be even stronger when our present issues have been managed and resource allocation strengthened to match our needs.

We have handled hundreds of requests media organizations, and numerous calls from concerned or inquisitive people.  While I don't have exact numbers, I know the calls, and email requests have been in the hundreds, and I would estimate well over 200. Requests for records or information has plagued our office through emails and phone calls to the main office number, calls to our Communication Center, and quite frankly, any [phone] number that a person could get someone to answer. These calls have come in from around the globe, and from small media outlets to major organizations. Many requests have circulated around a request for audio on a call from the latter part of August where the caller reported theft of geese. 

We have had a large number of calls too about a social media video that shows a police agency interacting with a woman that allegedly ate a cat. I had never seen the video prior to yesterday and many were asking for that body camera footage although they couldn't conduct their own Google investigation to reveal that it had nothing to do with Springfield.

All of these requests require a member of our staff from the civilian clerks, all the way to the Sheriff, to read and respond, or direct these calls and emails to the appropriate response person. These requests tie up resources and call takers that should be available to answer other calls from the community requesting or needing services. We will overcome in time but right now we are managing through the challenges and struggles.

I have confidence in the law enforcement leadership in this area, community agencies, and local government leadership, that [they] will work tirelessly until we have resolutions in place to overcome and adequately manage the challenges we are facing— all the while demonstrating professionalism and respect for those that work, live or travel within our community.