My name is Jason Butler.   I am a near 20 year veteran law enforcement officer.  I came to Halifax county in 2019 and began doing my job just like I have done in other cities I have served in.  

Community policing is the backbone of true policing and being a part of the community and helping to solve problems rather than crate new ones is the best approach in todays world.  

I have strong ties to my community and will not stand for wrongs to be done without being addressed.  It is this strong will to support and protect the people that led to me being dismissed from my agency.  

This is the same agency with more than 60% turnover rate where nearly all of the experienced officers have left or been forced out the door.  All because of egos and power trips.  The citizens are the victims by being deprived of a fully staffed and experienced agency.  

I noticed things not being done correctly and true to the law and the US Constitution and I spoke out about it.  I did this in a quiet professional manner inside the agency and continued to uphold a good public image of hard work and fairness for the agency.   My punishment for questioning wrong doings and protecting my fellow citizens was termination.  

What happened here was unlawful.  There are multiple processes going on with various courts and federal agencies to rectify this situation.  

A physical petition was already signed by nearly 300 citizens!!  I was amazed and truly touched by the outpouring of support from my community.   A suggestion was made to put the petition online so here it is.  

In addition to emailing your council members and contacting the Mayors office, consider signing the online petition as well.  

Citizens of South Boston and Halifax county make your voice heard.   The power of law enforcement comes from the people.  Not above or beyond the people.  

You should have a say in who works for you.