VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have been a member of this agency for nearly 25 years and served in nearly every capacity and on every specialty unit within the agency. Once hired, I have worked my way through the ranks and now serve as the most-senior and highest ranking merit based rank that the agency has. The relationships, institutional knowledge, and trust built both within the agency and with the community we serve are paramount to the success of the agency for the future. I have real-world leadership experience and the trust of the men and women that I am fortunate to serve with.

Additionally, I have been a partner in a local security and consulting business for over ten years. Through that business, we serve over twenty clients, have over one hundred employees, and manage a seven figure budget on an annual basis while continuing to grow. I'm familiar with budgeting, expenses, employee relations, client relations, and the work ethic, trust, and integrity that it takes to operate a successful business.

Staying alert and aware are key elements in combatting crime. We'd ask that you be aware of your surroundings and develop a relationship with neighbors to help watch over each other's residences when folks are not home. Additionally, we have seen an increase in frauds that are often committed online or via telephone. I'd recommend that you always independently verify information, especially when it is received in an unsolicited format. If you are being asked to provide financial resources on an unsolicited email or phone call, and it is not a normal vendor or account that you have proactively verified, please consult with your local law enforcement agency prior to offering any type of payment.

I have been deeply involved with several community organizations throughout my career and have developed meaningful relationships that are mutually beneficial. In our community, no single agency or organization can provide all the services and fulfill all of the needs of the citizens we serve. To continue to be successful as a community means that we must continue to have strong relationships amongst community organizations, non-profit organizations, public safety officials, elected officials, schools, members of the religious community, and various others that can partner together to bring success to our community members.

Additionally, I have been a member of the Sheriff's Office for over 25 years and have developed relationships throughout Hamilton County, and with our neighbors, that are so vital to leading an organization of this caliber.

Lastly, I believe the unanimous endorsements from all of the FOP lodges and leaders throughout our community reflects this.

Retention has been a significant issue in the current administration of the Sheriff's Office and one that I am highly focused on.

We have found that competitive pay, an excellent benefit package, and the best equipment are not sufficient to keep employees retained. Employees want to be heard, appreciated, supported, respected and given opportunities in order to be satisfied with their employer. I'm keenly aware of that and want to focus my efforts on building a culture that fosters this type of focus.

In regard to the Reserve Division, we face several challenges as the accreditation we hold makes the reserve training process longer than several other agencies that are competing for the same personnel. Additionally, law enforcement recruiting in general has been declining for the past few years.

We have opportunities to provide to recently retired law enforcement officers from other agencies that still wish to serve in a less-demanding time capacity that we must try to focus on.

My highest priority is the relationships built with our staff that serves the public on a daily basis. With the number of staff members that represent the Sheriff's Office, our citizens are likely to come into contact with our corrections staff, courthouse staff or with patrol deputies that will make a first impression on the citizens we serve. I expect, and demand, the highest integrity and work ethic from our staff and in return I am responsible to provide them with an agency that supports them personally and professionally.

Secondly, we have seen an increase in the population at the jail, juvenile detention facility, and courthouse services. I've began planning a restructure of the organization for efficiency to address these concerns.

Third, the influx of violent crime from surrounding counties is a serious concern and I have a plan to address this regionally through proactive solutions.

I have 27.5 years of law enforcement experience and currently serve as a Lieutenant with the Westfield Police Department. I have risen through the ranks from Patrol Officer to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Major of Operations, where I oversaw patrol, investigations, School Resource Officers, Traffic and K-9 Units, crash investigations, crime scene operations, training, recruitment, personnel development, and major projects. I also supervised a Reserve Division and helped prioritize budgets, equipment, and capital needs.

I have led more than 300 employees and managed budgets exceeding $20 million. I hold a BS in Finance, MBA, and PMP certification and am a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and Police Executive Leadership Academy. My advanced training includes emergency/unified command (TEEX), crisis intervention, evidence tech, public information officer, officer complaint investigations, leadership, and supervision. I am prepared to lead on day one.

My advice to residents is to stay informed, stay connected, and report suspicious activity. Crime prevention requires a strong partnership between law enforcement and the community. The Sheriff’s Office must provide ongoing education for parents, children, seniors, businesses, and residents about current threats, including phone scams, fraud, cyberattacks, online exploitation, and Internet Crimes Against Children, and how to recognize, prevent, and report them.

Law enforcement must also be proactive. We cannot fight emerging crimes with outdated methods. I will use technology, drones, data-driven policing, intelligence sharing, specialized training, and targeted enforcement to combat traditional and emerging crime. Strong local, state, and federal partnerships are essential to investigating cybercrime, child exploitation, fraud, drug trafficking, and crimes that cross jurisdictions. Education, prevention, enforcement, technology, and partnership must work together to keep us safe.

My greatest strengths are honesty, transparency, communication, leadership, collaboration, discipline, consistency, and problem-solving. My friendly, engaging personality helps me communicate effectively with residents, employees, law enforcement, fire/EMS, schools, businesses, civic organizations, local officials, and state and federal partners. I have led diverse teams and believe good leaders listen to staff, have diverse teams, value different perspectives, and recognize when to lead, collaborate, or follow. My Detroit Michigan upbringing, diverse life experiences, and education in finance, business, project management, and law enforcement help me understand different cultures, concepts and analyze challenges from multiple perspectives. I am committed, dedicated, and willing to think outside the box, examine facts and data, and bring people together to solve complex problems. Above all, I treat people with dignity and respect and remain accountable for results and expectations.

I will strengthen the Reserve Division through a staffing assessment, annual recruitment goals, and expansion to increase countywide visibility while managing costs. Reserves will complete applicable department-wide training, receive proper patrol equipment, and have merit supervisors oversee scheduling, training, operations, equipment, and development. I will meet with reserves at least twice yearly to identify improvements.

For retention, I will conduct stay surveys, seek staff input, and provide family check-ins. I will invest in training, career development, paid on-duty fitness, fitness and wellness coordinators, and partnerships with vendors to provide healthier food options. I will recognize performance and regularly compare compensation and benefits with area agencies to remain competitive and retain experienced employees.

Hamilton County’s growth will be our greatest challenge. My highest priority is ensuring staffing, services, and resources keep pace without sacrificing quality or fiscal responsibility. We must recruit and retain qualified employees, ensure facilities meet future needs, and use education, technology, training, and enforcement to proactively address crime trends and traffic safety.

My three pillars guide me: 1. Stronger Communities Through Partnership; strengthens collaboration with residents, public safety, government, schools, businesses, neighborhoods, and civic groups. Citizens on Patrol adds volunteers as extra eyes and ears in parks and events. 2. Professional Public Safety & Effective Law Enforcement; strengthens traffic safety, technology, countywide Animal Control, and satellite offices using existing facilities where practical. 3. Accountability, Rehabilitation & Organizational Excellence; invests in employees, improves jail outcomes, and protects taxpayer resources.