.
Murphy – About 30 people gathered in a meeting room at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office to continue discussions about a Citizens Auxiliary Unit and academy on Jan. 8.
The initial meeting was held in August 2025, with Sheriff Dustin Smith proudly announcing the new program. The department is seeking help from individuals who have a desire to get involved, making the endeavor a good fit.
An auxiliary program would utilize unarmed volunteers in many different ways. In turn, the extra help will free up valuable time for sheriff’s personnel and law enforcement officers to focus on other important services to the community.
Volunteers would be vetted via a background check and complete a citizens academy. They would have no arrest powers.
Volunteers in the program will be able to assist with a wide variety of tasks. Fingerprinting, help within the court system, clerical work and animal control are just a few of the ways citizens can get involved and assist the sheriff’s office.
Monthly planning meetings are held at 5 p.m. on the second Thursday each month. Attendees were engaged in the meeting, asking questions and offering input.
Capt. David Williams, who oversees road patrol, is passionate about the Citizens Auxiliary Unit. He is seeking its accreditation and would like to see citizens be able to assist with fingerprinting and courtroom security, as well as seeing a mobile patrol up and running.
“Everyone in this room has a valid something they can commit to the community. There are no wanna-bes here,” he said.
The group discussed fundraisers, uniforms and ways citizens can get involved to help free up time for the officers. Cherokee County has a limited number of deputies, so assistance from civilians could help a great deal.
“We are a group of volunteers, many with law enforcement and or military experience, who want to make Cherokee County a safer place for everyone,” auxiliary vice president Richard Belculfine said.
“We hope to reduce the time it takes to get a response from a deputy when you need one, by taking over some of their tasks that can by done by civilians with the proper training. Our goal is to become a valuable asset to the sheriff’s office by assisting not replacing our sheriff’s deputies.”
Those interested in participating in the program are welcomed to attend the next meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, 577 Regal St.
Details: Email Eric Gelbman at egelbmanccsa@gmail.com.