Sheriff Bobby Jones recognizes Crimes against Children Detective Jay Picard for receiving recognition from the Adanta Sexual Assault Resource Center (ASARC). Detective Picard was selected to receive the BRAVE award. The BRAVE award is dedicated to professionals chosen by the regional rape crisis centers, who make a difference and life changing impact believing, respecting, advocating, validating, and empowering survivors of sexual assault and/or abuse.
Detective Picard joined the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office in May of 2021, as a recruit in the Patrol Division. While on patrol, Detective Picard developed a passion for investigating crimes which children were the victim.
In October of 2023, Detective Picard was promoted to Detective, where he was assigned to the newly created crimes against children position of the Criminal Investigation Division.
In 2025, Detective Picard was attached to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as a Task Force Officer. Detective Picard’s designation with the FBI fell under the Violent Crimes Against Children Division, which combats child exploitation and human trafficking. The assignment with the FBI gives Detective Picard the ability to pursue justice for his victims, even if the information leads outside of Pulaski County. It also provides additional resources and funding.
The award was presented to Detective Picard by ASARC Director Mary Miller. During the presentation, Director Miller stated “Detective Picard demonstrates what trauma informed policing looks like in action: Listen without judgement, believing survivors, honoring their choices, and treating them with respect.”
“Survivors who have worked with Detective Picard often speak about feeling heard, supported, and empowered, sometimes for the first time since the assault” Director Miller went on to say. “During sexual assault awareness month, we recognize how critical strong partnerships are between law enforcement and advocacy organizations. Detective Picard Exemplifies that partnership.”
“Jay your work makes a real difference. You help survivors reclaim their voice, you help them reinforce the message that what happened to them matters and they mattered.” Miller concluded.
Detective Picard, upon receiving the award stated “Awards like these are not about just one person, but the many people that go in to the process. The entire Multi-Disciplinary Team is made of hard working individuals and organizations, which include the Children’s Advocacy Center, Department of Community Based Services, Social Workers, local prosecutors, and my fellow Detectives at the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.”
Picard later stated “My work, was made possible, in part, by the initiative Sheriff Bobby Jones had when he created the position of crimes against children Detective. It shows that the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and our partners take these crimes and the victims of these crimes serious and they deserve all the resources available in the pursuit of justice.”
The Adanta Sexual Assault Resource Center and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office want to remind the public that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
