LUZERNE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

The Community Services Division offers various safety programs to the general public. There is no fee for these programs. If you are interested in any of the following programs, please contact us at the following numbers: (570)825-1727 or (570)830-5104.

The Community Services Division was added to the Luzerne County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. There are currently four Deputies in the division. Although, most of their duties lie within establishing community relations, they also work in any of the other divisions as needed. 

The Junior Deputy Program:
This program is offered to the elementary schools of Luzerne County. We are currently teaching in ten of the eleven school districts. This includes public, private and parochial schools. The program is taught to fourth grade students. Our goal is to provide sound guidance and meaningful learning opportunities that will aid them in becoming responsible, productive citizens of the future.

The Junior Deputy Program is taught for a total of five weeks. We meet with the children for approximately one hour each week. The students are taught the dangers of strangers, alcohol, drugs, tobacco and guns. They are also taught the consequences of shoplifting and vandalism. After completing the program, the students are honored at a graduation ceremony in which thier parents are invited to attend. At the graduation, Sheriff Michael A. Savokinas presents certificates and pledges to the students.

McGruff Presentations:
This program is designed for audiences between kindergarten and third grade. McGruff, the robotic crime prevention dog, teaches several safety topics. Dangerous Strangers, Internet Safety, Bicycle Safety, and Halloween Safety are some of the topics that he teaches. McGruff is also available for day cares, pre-schools and organizations such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.

Senior Citizen Presentations:
This program is available to any community senior centers, senior homes, etc. This involves a presentation on one topic or a combination of the following topics; home security, personal safety, telemarketing fraud, any AARP programs, etc. Whatever topic/topics that are requested are included in the program.

Search and Rescue Demonstrations:
Deputy Nana, the search and rescue Bloodhound dog and her trainer/owner, Deputy Joyce give a presentation on the aspects of search and rescue and Bloodhound scent tracking. This can be presented to audiences of all ages.