The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 4 the launch of the Community Access Card, a new initiative aimed at connecting residents to essential programs, services, and support resources in the community.
The program is intended to improve communication between citizens and the Sheriff’s Office while promoting safety and engagement. The card offers quick access to local outreach programs, safety information, and contact options by scanning a QR code or using the office’s mobile app or website.
According to the press release, the Community Access Card connects users with both Sheriff’s Office initiatives—such as Citizens Academy, Guardian Project, H.E.L.P.S., Comfort Cases, and Community Watch—and outside agencies like Family Crisis Center and Veterans Treatment Court. It also guides users through processes for services including concealed carry permits and property checks. The card provides a direct phone number for support from the Community Outreach Division as well as physical office locations for in-person assistance.
Sheriff Seabolt said, “This initiative is about access, awareness, and connection. The Community Access Card helps ensure that almost every resident can easily find the support and resources they need, when they need them.”
Educational readiness remains an ongoing concern in Randolph County. Of 1,226 senior students taking the science portion of the ACT in Randolph County school districts during the 2022-23 school year, only 195 (15.9%) were considered ready for college according to state data. For juniors taking science during that same period, just 189 out of 1,329 (14.2%) met college readiness standards according to state data. In reading proficiency among seniors who took the ACT in that year group, only 289 out of 1,226 (23.6%) were deemed ready for college according to state data, while among juniors it was 281 out of 1,329 (21.1%) according to state data. Math scores were lower: only 160 seniors out of 1,226 (13.1%) reached college readiness levels according to state data, compared with just 134 juniors out of 1,329 (10.1%) according to state data.
The introduction of tools like the Community Access Card may help address some gaps by providing families easier access to local educational programs alongside other community resources.
