Nearly four years ago, former Trigg County Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander appointed Aaron Acree as the community’s sheriff — responsible, and asked, to fill the remainder of the Jason Barnes term.
Re-elected since, the native resident took an appreciative, reflective tone during last week’s visit with the Cadiz Rotary Club — unveiling updates about his station and his staff.
Tax collection, however, isn’t the only task for he and the deputies. He noted public safety as a high priority, and there’s a focus on drug use, drug rehabilitation and proactive policing. Acree noted that with himself and nine patrolling units, there have been an increase of arrests and coverage during his tenure.
With an average 600-plus calls a month and 400-plus square miles to cover, including Land Between the Lakes at times, Acree said his agency doesn’t have the luxury to put local calls on hold for major, in-depth investigations at this point.
However, he added this possibility is a long-term goal already underway.
Early on in the position, Acree said he was often questioned why the need for nine deputies — especially when former Sheriff Randy Clark had fewer than five at times.
Among Acree’s reasons: the shifting strain of Kentucky State Police, a post he once served, the ever-changing rotation and limiting of U.S. Forestry units in LBL, the need to help cover vacationing and training deputies, and a desire to double- and triple-cover directed patrols in the county.
The lakes in the spring and summer, he added, prove the most challenging.
Coming not only from Cadiz, but also Princeton, Clarksville and Calloway County, Acree called his cadre “a good group of guys” — who most recently had to deal with two legitimate stolen vehicle complaints and a stolen trailer concern.
Later on, Acree said it was discovered all three incidences could be traced back to drug use, or maintaining some type of drug habit.
This fall, just like the Cadiz Police Department, Acree said TCSO will have to do its best to help Trigg County Schools enforce the prohibition of tobacco use on owned and leased district property.
Backed with Kentucky Revised Statute, Acree added the law can prevail, but there will be challenges.
Technology, he said, has added both pros and cons to the career. Among the negatives: online and digital scams taking advantage of unsuspecting citizens.
Also a part of his force: six units — one full-time and five part-time — whose sole responsibility is to work and maintain safety protocols at the Trigg County Justice Center.
