VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am the best candidate for Sheriff because I have 32 years of law enforcement experience, 12 years as Colonel of Jail Operations. During my tenure we did not have a chronic issue of drugs getting into the facility as it is happening now with the current administration. My plan is to drastically reduce the flow of drugs coming into the facility with drug detection dogs. My plan is to also closely monitor the activity of the staff within the jail to ensure the flow of drugs into the facility is not abetted by employees. My administration will also implement a plan to reach at-risk youth to provide them with skills that will allow them to prosper in society and not become incarcerated. I will also work keep local judicial entities safe.

The most important function(s) for the Sheriff is to maintain a secure/safe jail for the inmates as well as those employed at the jail. The Sheriff has responsibility to ensure the court system is safe at all times. The Sheriff is also responsible for safe inmate transport and civil process to preserve public safety. I was Colonel over jail operations for 12 years and all of these functions I identify as important were run like a finely tuned machine under my leadership and I can do that again. As the Sheriff, I will function to fully utilize the resources within my control to improve the current conditions of the jail to positively impact public safety in Richmond.

My priorities will be jail safety and public safety. I will also prioritize rehabilitation for those housed in the facility with drug abuse or mental health assistance and re-entry programs. As a former police officer, I will prioritize using the resources and talent at the Sheriff's office to form a robust partnership with local law enforcement to reduce crime in the city. I also want to foster the atmosphere of "a great place to work" within the department to improve staff retention. I will create an environment of supportive leadership, clear communication, opportunities for development , a healthy work-life balance and focus on employee well being. Also I will prioritize fiscal responsibility with tax payer money that funds the jail.

I have been Richmond Sheriff since 2018, in addition to 26 years at the Henrico Sheriff’s Office, My expertise includes organizational management, fiscal administration, conflict resolution, and community relations. My mission is to foster excellence through nurturing staff development and strengthening community ties. My academic credentials, includes a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a Master’s degree in administration along with a PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Criminal Justice, I am committed to this city, our communities and the individuals that live here.

Here at the sheriff’s office we are working to assist individuals to be prepared for life. We work to assist individuals with substance, medical and mental health matters as well as reentry into community. Our goal is to assist individuals to become home ready, work ready and community ready to become a part of the economic development of society. We work to assist individuals to understand their trauma and of any substance issues.

Priority for the next term is hiring and retention as well as continuing to strive for excellence within the office. The goal is to continue to develop staff members to attain their next work level of success. The goal for residents is to assist in identifying self worth and growth while reorientating into communities.