BE IN THE KNOW THROUGH THE APPLING COUNTY SO
SHERIFF MARK MELTON
A special program and service sponsored by the Appling County Sheriff’s Office is the P.R.I.D.E. Program.  P.R.I.D.E. stands for Parents Reducing Incidents and Driver Error.  It was originally created by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, and the Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute in partnership with University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and local law enforcement.
When this grant program was discontinued by the State, the Appling County Sheriff’s Office recognized the benefits of the program and the need for it to continue. It is used not only as a community program for training teens and parents, but also as a second chance program for first time offenders. This program has been around for many years and is open to the public.
The ACSO, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Graham Police Department allow students and their parents to attend P.R.I.D.E. class not as a punishment, but a learning tool. Laws have changed since many parents received their license to drive. It is not a required class for driver’s license.  Instructors share personal stories to bring to life the need for wearing seat-belts, not speeding, dangers of driving distracted, etc.
Once the teen and parent attend the two (2) hour course, a form is submitted to the appropriate agencies so that tickets may be dismissed, or fines lowered.
This program also gives our instructors a chance to spend time with teens and families, answer important questions and show our community we care.
After completion, parents and students have a chance to evaluate the program and submit feedback to the sponsoring agency.  Instructors are required to re-certify each year. Local instructors are ACSO Investigators Stacy Wilkerson, Robert Eunice and Appling Community Connection INC Executive Director Amy Rediger.
Sheriff Mark Melton with the Appling County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the continuation of this program. If you need any additional information regarding these classes, please contact the Appling County Sheriff’s Office at 912-367-8120 or Amy Rediger @ 912-705-9448.