The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with county and community partners for a successful Operation BRIDGE (Bridging Recovery Interdiction Data Gathering Enforcement) on October 1-2, 2025. The Operation targets the intersection of drugs and crime by connecting individuals to resources such as addiction treatment or mental health services.
The goal of this annual operation was to address human trafficking, disrupt drug distribution networks, and execute drug trafficking and arrest warrants through enforcement. This year’s 2-day operation focused on the west side of Columbus, Franklin Township, and Prairie Township.
The first day of Operation BRIDGE was all about connecting individuals in the community with resources, like drug-treatment centers. There were also representatives from Franklin County Municipal Court, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office to help reduce barriers for people navigating the court system.
“A lot of the people involved in these lower crimes, they’re actually vulnerable people who’ve been preyed upon,” Sheriff Dallas L. Baldwin said. “A lot of times, they’re actually victims of other criminal activity, so we know it’s very important to find those people and get them linked to services, which will make a change in their lives.”
FCSO deputies interacted with dozens of women who were involved in prostitution, providing them with self-care products, first aid, clothing, and community support. In total, 10 women were connected with treatment centers or received referrals for out-patient treatment on day one. Seven of those women walked up to request assistance after hearing about the Operation.
“A lot of them really do want help – they’re begging for help – they just don’t know how to get it,” Sheriff Baldwin said. “We feel like it’s our job to help them, which in turn helps out the community.”
The second day of Operation BRIDGE focused on criminal enforcement efforts, though outreach efforts did continue. Deputies made 16 felony arrests and 22 misdemeanor arrests. They also seized one firearm, as well as some narcotics.
Operation Stats:
- More than 30 females interacted with and given self-care products, first-aid, clothing and offer of community support
- 16 people connected with treatment centers/community resources
- 95 traffic stops initiated
- 38 citations issued
- 15 non-drug-related felony arrests, 1 drug-related felony arrest
- 22 non-drug-related misdemeanor arrests
- 1 firearm seized
- 1 gram of methamphetamine seized
- 462 grams of marijuana seized
- 3 grams of fentanyl seized
- 8 grams of cocaine seized
This Operation was made possible by help from our county and community partners:
Columbus Division of Police | Community Medical Services | Franklin County Municipal Court | Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office | Franklin County Public Defender’s Office | Franklin Township Police Department | Freedom Recovery | Judah Tabernacle / Care Connection Columbus | Oakridge Recovery | Open Heart Ministries | Safer Station | Salvation Army | Southeast Healthcare RREACT | Victorious Living / Gates of Hope | White Light Recovery
.jpg.aspx?width=400&height=225 "DSC_4529-(1).jpg")
