Jackson Sheriff
Over their four-year term, a county sheriff is responsible for:Serving as county tax collector in counties where a separate position doesn't exist.Executing court summons, enforcing judgments, orders, injunctions, garnishments, serving evictions, and making arrests on warrants issued by the courts.Preserving the peace, preventing/detecting/investigating criminal activity, control of crowds at public events, control of traffic at accidents, protecting property during emergencies. Custody of the county jail and the people incarcerated within it. This includes providing food and health care to people in jail as they wait for bond or the outcome of their court case. (Note: not every county has a jail, but the sheriff's department still would be responsible for transporting people to the jail they use and to/from court).Record keeping related to law enforcement and people in jail.https://www.uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/ced-blog/posts/2022/may/what-is-a-county-sheriff.aspx
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Russell Brinsfield
(Rep)
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Dean Vanwinkle
(Rep)
Describe in your own words the duties of the office you seek.
Describe in your own words the experience and skills you have that qualifies you for this position.
Describe the first thing you plan to change/improve when you take office and how you will accomplish that goal.
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As Sheriff, my responsibility is to keep Jackson County safe, secure, and thriving. I will enforce the law fairly and consistently, manage the county jail so it is professional, safe, and humane, and lead deputies with integrity, accountability, and clear expectations. I will strengthen partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate efforts against drug trafficking, property crime, and repeat offenders. Transparency is critical, citizens deserve access to information and the opportunity to have their voices heard. This office exists to protect residents, uphold the law, and ensure every person feels safe and supported in our communities.
I have spent my entire life serving and living in Jackson County, gaining experience in both the community and law enforcement. While employed with the Sheriff’s Office, I began as a Deputy, before ultimately promoting to Sergeant. I have worked in funeral service and insurance, learning how to support people in their most vulnerable moments, listen with compassion, and remain calm in crisis. My years with the Arkansas Department of Corrections gave me firsthand knowledge of jail operations, staffing challenges, safety, accountability, and fairness. I have worked directly with deputies, detention staff, and community members, solving real problems and seeing what truly works. I bring leadership, judgment, and experience.
My first priority as Sheriff will be restoring order, safety, and professionalism in the county jail. A well-managed jail protects all citizens, holds inmates accountable, and demonstrates strong leadership. I will conduct a full evaluation of the facility, including all critical infrastructure, safety systems, and operations. I will correct maintenance problems, restore professional standards, improve food and medical services, and reinstate visitation so families remain connected. I will support deputies with training, tools, and leadership to ensure citizens receive the best public service possible.
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