When Robert Evenson ran for Sheriff in 2020, the biggest complaint he heard was that thieves and burglars were running amok! During the nationwide shutdown, covid guidelines wouldn't allow new inmates to be brought into the county jail. Thieves and criminals were allowed to run free. On January 1st, 2021, Sheriff Evenson announced to
When Robert Evenson ran for Sheriff in 2020, the biggest complaint he heard was that thieves and burglars were running amok! During the nationwide shutdown, covid guidelines wouldn't allow new inmates to be brought into the county jail. Thieves and criminals were allowed to run free. On January 1st, 2021, Sheriff Evenson announced to the county the McDonald County jail was open for business, irregardless of covid restrictions and guidelines. He asked his deputies to go out and do the job the citizens expected, and they answered the call. Almost immediately, the average daily jail population went from 25, to 55!
During his 2009 – 2012 term as Sheriff, Robert Evenson created an investigations division. Prior to then, the Sheriff’s Office did not have dedicated detectives. During his current term, Sheriff Evenson split the agency into divisions, and then expanded the investigations division. By adding another detective position, the department can more efficiently investigate serious crimes.
The County still has domestic and disturbance calls, but the volume of residential burglaries has dramatically dropped. Criminals talk, and clearly the word is out that McDonald County will investigate, make arrests, and take people to jail. Because of that, the daily prisoner count has been steadily going down. Reduced crime not only benefits the residents of McDonald County, but it lowers the County’s operating cost for the jail. When Sheriff Evenson restructured the office and implemented new practices, he hoped it would impact the crime rate. What he found, is that it far exceeded any of his expectations. The days of leaving your keys in your car and leaving your door unlocked are long since gone, but Sheriff Evenson has let criminals know that when you prey on our community, there will be consequences, and they will be locked up in our county jail!
After Robert Evenson won his race in 2020, he did an in-depth analysis of the structure of the office. In addition to allowing criminals to once again be locked up in the jail, he wanted to find ways his office could better serve the citizens. He realized the traditional structure of Sheriff/Undersheriff was horribly inefficient. He decid
After Robert Evenson won his race in 2020, he did an in-depth analysis of the structure of the office. In addition to allowing criminals to once again be locked up in the jail, he wanted to find ways his office could better serve the citizens. He realized the traditional structure of Sheriff/Undersheriff was horribly inefficient. He decided to do away with the position of undersheriff, and split the responsibilities of that position into three divisions: Patrol, Jail and Investigations. e implemented this plan, and quickly saw the results of how well it worked! Rather than putting all that pressure onto an undersheriff, who would have to keep up with every single issue or incident for the entire department, the workload was spread over three division commanders. Why would anyone ever set up their employees for failure by putting too much on them? By splitting the work, it allows each division commander to be laser focused on the needs of their staff, the efficiency of their staff, all while making sure the citizens are being best served. Another benefit, is it removes one step in the chain of command. Rather than a department head reporting to the undersheriff, who then reports to the Sheriff, each division commander reports directly to Sheriff Evenson. While it may not be a traditional organizational structure, it has increased the efficiency of the office and improved morale.
Sheriff Evenson previously created an investigations division within the Sheriff's Office, to specifically focus on solving crimes and studying crime trends. This term, Sheriff Evenson expanded investigations to add another detective position to focus on the most serious crimes . He was also the Sheriff that created supervisory positions on each shift to ensure better service around the clock, and a continuous evaluation of officer performance and needs.
Sheriff Evenson began holding monthly police chief meetings to create better communication among all law enforcement agencies in the county. Over the years these meetings have become a great way to share information and ideas. When the Sheriff's Office and city agencies are working together, it creates a united law enforcement front to control and reduce crime.
Having been in law enforcement for so many years, Sheriff Evenson recognizes how important it is for officers to have continuing education and training. He believes well trained officers perform more confidently, because they are better equipped to handle complex situations. Additionally, it is important for officers to stay current on dr
Having been in law enforcement for so many years, Sheriff Evenson recognizes how important it is for officers to have continuing education and training. He believes well trained officers perform more confidently, because they are better equipped to handle complex situations. Additionally, it is important for officers to stay current on drug trends, legal issues, and skill development, to name a few. The Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Program only requires commissioned officers to have 24 hours of continuing education each year, but the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office does much more. Sheriff Evenson encourages all commissioned officers in the area to attend any of the 16 hours of quarterly in-house training the Sheriff’s Office offers. Most departments only qualify with firearms once or twice a year, but Sheriff Evenson requires his officers qualify four times a year, including one nighttime shoot and a stress combat course. In addition to the annual mandatory classes like civil rights, cultural diversity, and mental health awareness, he also sends officers to specialized training for investigation, SWAT training, training pertaining to different aspects of patrol, and training for field officers. The Sheriff’s office is a small agency, but Sheriff Evenson requires the additional training to make the department stronger.
To provide even better service to the citizens, Sheriff Evenson has set up training with the juvenile office and our county prosecutor. He requested the prosecutor teach in-service classes to deputies to make them even better at report writing, testifying in court, and preparing their cases. This type of education has made our cases stronger, and increased the rate of convictions, which further hardens this county towards crime. With the restructuring of the department, and the implementation of Sheriff’s Evenson’s practices, there has been a significant improvement in the safety and security of McDonald County residents.
Sheriff Evenson has been fortunate to consistently remain fully staffed for road deputies. His officers patrol 560 square miles of county roads and respond to an average of 1500 calls per month. Not being significantly short staffed like surrounding counties, has allowed him to put officers on extra patrol for businesses, and in areas of
Sheriff Evenson has been fortunate to consistently remain fully staffed for road deputies. His officers patrol 560 square miles of county roads and respond to an average of 1500 calls per month. Not being significantly short staffed like surrounding counties, has allowed him to put officers on extra patrol for businesses, and in areas of the county which are more remote and less traveled. Sheriff Evenson understands how important it is to have officers out patrolling the county. It allows them to learn the area, and recognize when things don’t seem right, or someone looks out of place. It’s one more way Sheriff Evenson ensures the safeguarding of lives and property of McDonald County residents.
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