Small Town Sheriff Says Law Enforcements Killings Are Big Concern

WATKINSVILLE, Ga. - It is rare that serious crime takes place in Oconee County, but that does not mean the 60 deputies who patrol are not on heightened alert due to increasing violence targeting law enforcement nationwide.

Sheriff Scott Berry said in nearly four decades of law enforcement, he has never seen such a confrontational climate.

At roll calls, his commanders are warning staff that although they have the support of their local folk, they can encounter anyone at any time passing thru.

He said even his officers’ moral takes a hit when news flashes across TV screens of another cop gunned down.

The sheriff called it a "massacre". There are only 34,000 people in the county. Still, part of the county budget has been used to purchase the latest crime fighting technology. Berry just received a box of body cams. He said they will be on his deputies soon.