The early twentieth century saw the communities of Bassett, Fieldale, and Stanleytown in Henry County growing rapidly around the developing furniture and textile industries in the area. Industry leaders in these areas wisely saw the need to care for their workers, and built towns around their manufacturing facilities which included housing, churches, shopping, and recreational opportunities.
The need was soon realized for law enforcement for these towns, as the county’s deputy sheriffs and constables were few and stretched very thinly over large areas of the county. Beginning then, in 1922, Henry County began benefitting from a unique form of law enforcement known as “Special Police Officers.” These officers were appointed and given their legal authority by the Circuit Court Judge and had countywide jurisdiction. However, their primary focus was on their respective communities because they were actually employed by and reported to the local industries.
Join the Bassett Historical Center on Tuesday, July 16, at 10:30 a.m. as author., Ron Stowe discusses his new book and the history of Henry County’s Special Police. This program, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Susan L. Adkins Memorial Meeting Room. Copies of the book, “Henry County’s Special Police: The History,” will be available for purchase from the author.
