Rick Patrick, rick@greenepublishing.com
This is the fourth in a series of articles about the new Madison County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) “Citizens' Academy.” The Citizens' Academy is an outreach program of the MCSO designed to give the community a greater understanding of the inner workings of the MCSO.
During the week of Monday, May 9 to Friday, May 13, participants of the Madison County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Citizens' Academy had the opportunity to see first hand what happens on the “front lines” of law enforcement. Participants were paired with various patrol deputies to participate in two-hour “ride alongs.” This gave the participants the ability to observe officers performing their various duties and gain a greater appreciation of what officers encounter on a daily basis.
One of the officers providing a “ride along” experience was Sgt. Odell Livingston. Sgt. Livingston is a veteran of over 12 years with the MCSO. He began his law enforcement career with the Department of Corrections before moving to the MCSO. Sgt. Livingston works primarily with traffic patrols, although he frequently patrols other areas of the county.
For Sgt. Livingston and many of the other deputies, the day begins with catching up with what has happened during the previous shift. Occasionally, these activities will call for some follow-up. Frequently, those officers working in the area of traffic enforcement will find a spot on the interstate to spot those drivers who are putting themselves and others at risk by speeding or other unsafe driving behaviors. Other times, officers may patrol other roads where complaints about unsafe drivers have been made. Although not every single person who is driving slightly over the speed limit will be stopped, those driving at an excessive rate of speed can be sure to be pulled over eventually. Sgt Livingston explained that the radar system installed in the patrol vehicle can display the speed of vehicles in front and in back of the vehicle. Many of the vehicles do not have lights on top, so they may appear to be just another vehicle on the road, until another driver comes up on them. By that time, if the other driver is driving at an excessive rate of speed, it is too late to slow down in order to avoid a ticket. Another practice that will certainly result in a ticket is failure to “move over” when approaching an emergency vehicle, such as a patrol car, on the side of the road with its emergency lights on. Failure to do so can result in a very dangerous situation for the officer or other emergency personnel. If it is unsafe to do so, one should greatly slow down as they approach.
Sgt. Livingston will also occasionally make a trip to Waypoint School, just outside Greenville. Sgt. Livingston has developed a relationship with some of the troubled students at the facility and tries to serve as a role model and mentor, as well as a law enforcement officer. “A lot of the kids here are prime candidates for gang activity,” said Sgt. Livingston. “That's one thing we really keep our eyes open for. Many of these kids come from abusive situations and 'acting out' and violence are all they have ever seen. It's really kind of sad. I try to be as positive as I can.” Sgt. Livingston's easy smile and caring personality certainly resonates with many of these youngsters.
At other times, Sgt Livingston and his fellow deputies will simply ride through the streets of the count. “Often we ride through, just to be a presence; just to be seen. I think that has a positive effect a lot of the time.”
For patrol officers like Sgt. Livingston, no two days are ever exactly alike. Being a visible presence in the community in order to help make the community a safer place is a driving force that makes these officers put the badge on each day.
For more information about the MCSO, please visit the department's new website at https://madison flsheriff.org.