Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw

501cTV sits down with Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Bradshaw discusses his long career in law enforcement, starting as a high school athlete who joined the Marines and then transitioned into police work. He became the police chief in West Palm Beach before being encouraged to run for sheriff, a position he has held for the past 20 years.

Sheriff Bradshaw describes how he has transformed the sheriff's office, modernizing technology and implementing new programs and initiatives. He is particularly proud of the office's mental health unit, which pairs deputies with mental health professionals to proactively identify and assist individuals in crisis. Other innovative programs include using therapy dogs for trauma support and providing service dogs to veterans with PTSD.

The sheriff also emphasizes the importance of community policing, with deputies building relationships and trust with residents through outreach efforts like food distribution. Additionally, he discusses the agency's work in homeland security and using advanced technology like coastal radar and live-streaming body cameras.

Throughout the conversation, Sheriff Bradshaw highlights his commitment to public safety and improving the overall quality of life in Palm Beach County. He is especially proud of the agency's partnerships with local nonprofits, to which he directs funds seized from criminal activity.