The sheriff provides law enforcement for the county, serves warrants on behalf of courts, apprehends fugitives, and works with Federal and State agencies. Office includes Court Security, Emergency Response Team, Detective Bureaus, community Education Programs and others. The sheriff s office has over 140 sworn personnel and 60 civilian employees.The sheriff serves a three-year term.
I am proudly running for re-election as Mercer County Sheriff and bring over four decades of experience to the position. My career began as a Trenton patrol officer, serving as a K-9 handler, narcotics officer, detective, and violent crimes sergeant. I was honored by my peers to be named Kiwanis' Officer of the Year. Since becoming Sheriff in 2010, I have proudly led the Sheriff’s Office with integrity and set high standards for serving our communities. I have organized and led fugitive apprehension teams and expanded outreach through programs for seniors, schools, child seat checks, prescription drug drop-offs, and social media, including a Sheriff’s App. I have worked very closely with local law enforcement throughout Mercer County to keep our communities safe and have been watchful over budgets and spending.
The Sheriff's Office handles court security, emergency response, K-9 units, civil process services, investigations, community education, airport security, and fugitive arrests. Even with these efforts, gun violence from illegally transported firearms is still a serious problem here and across the country. The issue is not about legal gun ownership, but about guns illegally and intentionally transported, from other states – and sold on the black market with actual crime in mind. I want to encourage everyone in our communities to focus and help stop the flow of illegal guns on to our streets and in our neighborhoods. My office is committed to getting illegally transported weapons off the streets and out of neighborhoods. I am proud to work with the NJ Attorney General, the FBI, the NJ State Police, and our local police departments to keep illegally transported guns out of the hands of criminals.
NJ bail reform remains a subject of debate for almost ten years now. Supporters correctly argue that it reduces inequity by preventing cash bail from incarcerating poorer defendants, while better-off individuals are released. Critics feel strongly that it allows repeat offenders and career criminals to be released too early. The NJ Legislature and the public fully enacted this law under the State Constitution in 2017. As Sheriff, I have concerns regarding the release of repeat offenders, however I am strongly bound and required to follow the letter of the law and the strength of any judicial decisions.
At the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, we are NOT involved in immigration enforcement or deportations whatsoever, as this is not part of our statutory responsibility. As you know, immigration matters fall into a gray area, and my office is sworn to uphold the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. This commitment is unwavering. However, as a member of the law enforcement community and under the full guidance of the NJ Attorney General, my office will do all it can to uphold and work within AG guidelines regarding the rights of immigrants. I clearly understand and appreciate everyone's concerns about these matters in our community.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
