Sanders County Sheriffs patrol region

SANDERS COUNTY- I would imagine that most law enforcement officers have experienced the feeling at one point in their career that they are in a “thankless” profession. Many people probably do not appreciate what these men and women go through on a daily basis. Until they need their help. But for some such as Sanders County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Josephson, it is just part of the job.

I was recently granted permission to “ride along” during a patrol of Sanders County. The Sheriff’s Department allowed me to witness and document a small slice of what their job is like.

For Deputy Josephson, the five years he has spent with the department is his way of doing what he feels is right. Helping the local communities and protecting citizens seems to be what compels him to endure the difficulties associated with a profession that is often underappreciated.

It is interesting then that one could find such a rewarding experience performing a duty that often finds people in direct conflict with his objective. Perhaps Josephson just knows what we all need to learn: sometimes we need protection from ourselves.

According to Josephson, a population that is geographically isolated from one another such as in Sanders County are often their own worst enemy. An area that is isolated, combined with the effects of a depressed economy and the lack of jobs that pay a living wage is a recipe for trouble.

Boredom, depression, unemployment and the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse combine to create a perfect storm of problems. Deputy Josephson takes it all in stride. It’s just part of the job.

What he wants people to realize is that the deputies are not the boogeymen they are often made out to be. They are not out to just bust people, toss them in jail and throw away the key. Josephson wants people to know that the Sheriff’s Department means to help and he is out amongst the community to prove it.

“Part of what we do is to be visible. We want people to know we are here and we are going to be looking out for them,” said Josephson. “This job is not just about putting people in jail.”

During the short period of time I was able to spend with the deputy, he drove through several communities just checking to make sure no one needed any type of assistance. We also made a few stops at locations that have historically been the scene of minor mischief.

I have interviewed several law enforcement officers over the years. Many have expressed the old adage that at the end of the day, the goal is to go home safe. After a few minor traffic stops, Deputy Josephson and I headed safely back toward Plains where I live.

In my line of work, getting home safe is almost never a problem. My work does not involve putting my life at risk everyday. This is not the case with the men and women of law enforcement. They do it everyday.

Some of the time they may just be checking to make sure members of the community are all right. This was the case with my ride-a-long. Half the time was spent interacting with the public and letting them know that officers are out and engaged with the community.

Whether it is patrolling potential problem areas, getting people to slow down to a safe speed when the sun goes down or providing a presence in the community, law enforcement officers like Deputy Josephson are merely doing the job we as a community have tasked them with doing.

They have obligations to us as citizens and we have obligations to each other. If we as a community live up to our responsibilities as citizens, odds are you will not ever be on the wrong side of the law.