February 24, 2010 Edition

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Dotson plans bid for sheriff

Jody Dotson, 40, of Lynn has formally announced his candidacy for Lawrence County Sheriff.

Dotson has lived in Lawrence County most of his life and went to school at Lynn. He has been with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department for 10 years, where he is currently captain.

Dotson has also worked at the Walnut Ridge Police Department. He graduated basic police academy in 2002 at Black River Technical College and also earned his criminal justice degree from BRTC with honors in 2004.

In addition, Dotson has several years of specialized training in various areas of law enforcement, including training with the FBI, DEA, Criminal Justice Institute, Arkansas State Police, FEMA and several other departments. He is also a certified law enforcement instructor.

Dotson is one of only two officers in Lawrence County certified to properly handle clandestine methamphetamine labs. He has worked in all aspects of the sheriff's department from the jail to upper administration.

Dotson is married to Karla Dotson, and they have two children, Logan, 14, and Lauren, 13, who attend school at Hillcrest.

"I plan to be a full-time sheriff with an open-door policy when elected," Dotson said. "I enjoy law enforcement and helping others. I feel as sheriff I would be able to continue to serve and protect the citizens of Lawrence County.

"I will be out trying to visit with as many residents of Lawrence County as possible between now and May 18."

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