YORK COUNTY — Members of the inaugural York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office Business Academy celebrated their graduation on Tuesday evening.
The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Business Academy is a free program designed to give businesses of York County and the City of Poquoson a better understanding of the crime prevention resources available to them.
Students in the course met for seven weeks of instruction on topics related to crime prevention. The class also learned about the patrol division, white-collar crime, workplace violence, robbery prevention, the business watch program and site surveys.
The program is geared towards business owners, managers, faith-based organizations, and anyone who has an invested interest in the day-to-day operating safety and security of their business.
“During this current Sheriff’s Business Academy, we have received positive feedback from various businesses and organizations. This Sheriff’s Business Academy, being our first one that we’ve ever held, did not disappoint and was an eye opener for many,” Crime Prevention Specialist Kevin Taylor shared.
“We have covered so much and the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office has most definitely built some long-lasting community partnerships through this process. This academy has afforded the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office with the ability to put extra crime prevention knowledge and resources in front of businesses and faith-based organizations, which may help them to lessen their chances of being victimized,” he added.
During the graduation ceremony, the class was addressed by a member of Virginia Peninsula Crime Stoppers, York-Poquson Sheriff Ron Montgomery, York-Poquson Sheriff Deputy Kevin Taylor and York-Poquoson Sheriff Captain Kris Ward.
“This class exceeded my expectations. I was genuinely honored that our own local law enforcement officers took time out of their busy schedule and lives to teach us how to keep our business safe. If you’re a small or large business owner, mobile business, the head of security for your church, president of an HOA or a part of any organization that conducts a legal business out of York County, I highly recommend this class. The knowledge you gain from it will tremendously help you protect your business,” said graduate Demi Christy.
The Sheriff’s Office is planning another business academy and details on registration will be available soon. To learn more, visit yorkcounty.gov.