Andy Hughes: (Ret.) Sheriff of Houston County, AL

Main Street is a barometer for the health of a community, maybe even America.  Times, they are a changing, and a drive down to the town square might just offer a glimpse backward in time, and forward.  

When I was eighteen years old I barely knew what I wanted to do from hour to hour, let alone for the rest of my life!  But, for some, the calling comes early.  This episode of The Coptimizer Podcast features retired Sheriff, Andy Hughes, retired law enforcement officer and Sheriff from Houston County, Alabama.  In Andy’s case, the apple did not fall far from the tree.  His dad was a police officer, and his his love for policing was shaped by him, and an “old-timer” Sheriff who cut his teeth chasing moonshiners across the south.

While the times might be changing, the need for purpose driven police officers has not.  In fact, it might be more important than ever.  Sheriff Hughes has some thoughts about this, and more, that he shares with our audience.  

It starts with a little rhyme.  “Law Enforcement leaders need to be more concerned about the mission than their position.”  While officers are probably not shooting out the tires of moonshiners as the they chase them down Main St., they still have to have a sound moral compass and the ability to act to defend their communities with honor and integrity.  This starts with the mission.  It always comes first, and it is up to leaders to set the example.

Another piece of wisdom.  Policing is not that complicated.  Treat people fairly and respectfully and they will, generally speaking, return the gesture.  This is what community policing is all about.  Getting to know people is the core mission of policing, not acting like it through creative social media post.  Insincere post and content is easy to spot and it does not inspire trust, so spend time getting to know people and share their story.  That is what resonates.

I’ll share one more, then you will just have to go listen for yourself.  “In law enforcement, we only deal with two types of people;  Bad people, and good people who are having a bad day.”  Andy took his position seriously and led with his heart.  So when community members came to him directly, he always gave them the respect they deserve because they chose him to be their sheriff.  Community policing, at its corp, is just being a good person.  He lived by the Peelian Principle that the police are just the paid members of the public hired to do the job that is expected of all citizens.  

From Main Street, to Wall Street, policing is a necessary function of society.  The mission is the same.  Protect life and property, and do it with humility and respect.  If we can do this, most of the job takes care of itself.

You can watch this podcast on our YouTube channel by clicking here.