Occupation
Sheriff, Hamilton County
Education
Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice from University of Cincinnati
Experience
Current sheriff, forty-year veteran, Ham County Sheriff’s Office; first female sheriff and highest-ranking woman to serve; launched new initiatives as sheriff including advanced technology, improved jail conditions, and wellness program for staff. Met budget every year.
Endorsements
Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council; Ohio AFSCME Power in Action; Hamilton County Democratic Party; Cincinnati Women's Political Caucus; The Matriots; Greater Cincinnati UAW CAP; National Association of Social Workers/PACE; The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund; Everytown for Gun Safety; Ohio Working Families Party; Tristate, Asian American Action Fund
Affiliations
Member, Human Rights Campaign; Member, NAACP; Member, Buckeye Sheriff's Association;
Political Philosophy
Life-long Democrat, passionate about fair treatment of people particularly related to a fair system of justice. I believe that improved relationships between law enforcement and the community are critical to ensure a safe community for all. I believe that policies of law and order, fair treatment, fiscal responsibility, safety for prisoners and our community cross political ideology. Strong supporter of labor with the emphasis on safe working conditions, fair wages and benefits for all workers.
I will continue with my pledge of leading the Sheriff’s Office with accountability, transparency, dignity, and respect. Our brand is service, and my focus will continue to be community safety. I established a Community Advisory Board with diverse representation and established the Community Affairs Division that responded to over 100,000 calls for assistance. We have improved training for all deputies that includes de-escalation, communication skills, and community policing practices.
This is one of the hallmarks of my administration and career. When I was major of the jail, I established first-of-its-kind rehabilitation services for inmates and as sheriff, I enhanced those services. We opened a dormitory-style program for women with substance use disorders which will be followed by a program for men. We enhanced medication assisted treatment for eligible inmates and host a monthly meeting with area providers to ensure connections for continued services upon release.
One of the biggest challenges when taking office in 2021 was an aging jail left unattended by the past administration: cell locks didn’t work, elevators were out of service, windows were broken, and generally uncleanliness. This was a safety risk for inmates and deputies. With support from the County Commissioners, we replaced all the cell locks, the aging elevators, and windows. We also cleaned the jail and are repainting. We don’t need a costly new jail; I will take care of the one we have.
Occupation
Retired Sheriff of Hamilton County
Education
Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice at University of Cincinnati, and returned to UC to complete his master's degree in Graduate Studies and Research .
Experience
Jim Neil was the former Sheriff of Hamilton County and has spent over 40 years in law enforcement. During his time in the Sheriff’s Office, Jim served in both the jail and patrol divisions, rising from sheriff’s deputy to sheriff’s lieutenant before his retirement in 2011. Jim is trained in traffic-accident reconstruction, as a bomb technician, and as a hazmat technician. He also served as a D.A.R.E. officer and as an instructor in the Basic Corrections Academy and the Basic Patrol Academy, where he served as school commander. During his tenure in the Sheriff’s Office, Jim Neil has received the Greater Cincinnati Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer Award, the Fraternal Order of Police Act of Bravery Award, the Buckeye State
Endorsements
Tony Rosiello, Bill Blessing III, Chuck Short, Zach Haines, Bernie Moreno,
Political Philosophy
Law, peace, and order.
I strongly support rehabilitation programs in prison, jail, and the community. As Sheriff, I initiated treatment-focused efforts for addiction and mental health, including partnering with the Talbert House for counseling services and creating detox pods in the jail. I also support evidence-based programs that help inmates reintegrate into society, reduce recidivism, and provide education and job training to ensure they have a path to success after release.
Yes, I support rehabilitation programs in prison, jail, and the community. As Sheriff, I implemented addiction treatment and mental health services, including detox pods and counseling. I also back evidence-based rehabilitation programs like education, job training, and reentry support, helping inmates reintegrate into society.
My top priorities for improving County Jail facilities are building off of my previous successes by increasing staffing levels to ensure safety, expanding mental health and addiction treatment programs, and upgrading outdated infrastructure. I will focus on creating a more secure environment by improving officer recruitment and retention while also prioritizing inmate rehabilitation through evidence-based programs.
