News & Press Releases

Department updates, official statements, and community events.

Press Release

September 12, 2026

Sheriff Maddox Announces Department-Wide Body Camera Expansion

Braal County Seat — Sheriff Dale R. Maddox announced today that the department will complete its body-worn camera program expansion by December, placing next-generation cameras on every patrol deputy in the county.

"Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of everything we do," Sheriff Maddox said at a press conference at headquarters. "This investment ensures that every interaction between a deputy and a resident is documented."

The expansion is funded through a county public safety grant and includes upgraded storage and automated redaction tools to protect resident privacy in released footage.

Community Event September 5, 2026

Fall Citizens Academy Now Open for Enrollment

Residents 18 and older can now apply for the eight-week Citizens Academy, offering a behind-the-scenes look at patrol, dispatch, corrections, and investigations.

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The Braal County Sheriff's Department is accepting applications for its Fall Citizens Academy, an eight-week program that gives residents an inside look at how the department operates.

Participants ride along with patrol deputies, tour the detention center, sit in on a dispatch shift, and learn how detectives work a case from crime scene to courtroom.

Classes meet Tuesday evenings beginning October 6 at the training annex. Space is limited to 24 residents. Apply through the Contact page or in person at headquarters.

Department Update August 27, 2026

K-9 Unit Welcomes Newest Member, Deputy Dog 'Bishop'

Bishop, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois, has completed certification and joins the K-9 unit alongside his handler, Deputy Maria Santos.

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The department's K-9 unit grew by four paws this month with the addition of Bishop, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois specializing in narcotics detection and tracking.

Bishop completed 320 hours of certification training with his handler, Deputy Maria Santos, an eight-year veteran of the Patrol Division.

"He's already made his first successful track," Deputy Santos said. "He found a missing hiker in the North Ridge foothills within forty minutes. He's a natural."

Community Event August 10, 2026

National Night Out Draws Record Crowd at County Fairgrounds

More than 3,000 residents joined deputies, dispatchers, and K-9 teams for the county's largest-ever National Night Out celebration.

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A record 3,000 residents turned out at the Braal County Fairgrounds for National Night Out, the department's annual community celebration.

Highlights included K-9 demonstrations, a patrol vehicle open house, child fingerprinting stations, and a cookout hosted by the command staff.

"This is what community policing looks like," said Undersheriff Carla Whitfield. "Same time next year — and bring a neighbor."

Department Update August 2, 2026

Department Shares Winter Storm Preparedness Tips for Residents

With early forecasts predicting a harsh winter, the department reminds residents to prepare vehicles, homes, and emergency kits before the first freeze.

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Forecasters are predicting a colder-than-average winter for Braal County, and the Sheriff's Department is urging residents to prepare early.

Recommendations include winterizing vehicles with emergency blankets and chargers, maintaining 72-hour home supply kits, and signing up for the county's text alert system.

The department's off-road and four-wheel-drive units will be staged throughout the county during major storm events to reach residents in remote townships.

Media inquiries: Public Information Office, (555) 014-2910 · pio@bcsd.online