BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Sheriff’s Office announced that Deputy Dennis Hall recently achieved Kentucky Law Enforcement Council certification as a court security officer.

This accomplishment comes after Hall completed specialized training at the Department of Criminal Justice Court Security Officer Basic Training Academy in Richmond.

The program gave Hall an understanding of general law enforcement practices, advanced defensive tactics and critical firearms training.

Hall, who assumed his position as a bailiff in early 2023, shared some insights from his experience.

“We went to a firing range and qualified with our 45 caliber pistols,” Hall said. “The training equipped us with skills like handcuff techniques, protocols for transporting prisoners and knowledge about courtroom and court building security.”

The training is not just for enhancing skill sets; it is a mandatory requirement.

“Once you get hired, you have a year to complete this training and achieve the certification,” said Hall.

Sheriff John Kirk, who sent Deputy Hall for the training, was pleased with the outcome. Kirk commented about Hall’s performance, “He did well. The two-week course has taught him how everything should run in the court and what his duties are. He will be able to provide a good service for us.”

Hall resides in Inez with his wife, Leslie Williamson.