Masters degree, management & police executive leadership certificate, Johns Hopkins U.: Masters & Bachelors, Justice, American University; Graduate of National Sheriff’s Institute; Chief & second in command of FC sheriff’s office; Patrol Officer & Detective Metropolitan Police Wash., DC; Senior Policy Analyst, US Department of Justice (retired); Asst. Prof Allegheny College; County Ex public Safety Transition Team; County Ex Ethics Task Force; Human Relations Commission; Substance Abuse Advisory

Would work with local college/university to study racial disparity that currently exists in arrests, traffic stops, investigative stops to prevent bias based policing. Results would be shared with the community and collaborative partnership with stakeholders will be formed to address any causes and/or problems discovered. Work with Ethan Saylor Alliance to improve training in dealing with special needs population, work to expand crisis car program.

Cooperation between law enforcement and community and political leaders is good with room for improvement. I will focus on procedural justice, both internally and externally to enhance trust and strengthen relationships. As sheriff, I will prioritize collaborative problem solving that includes community stakeholders and political leaders. I will work to break down silos which will improve service quality and savings in the use of taxpayer dollars.

The 287(g) program has been banned in Maryland. I would follow the guidance of Maryland’s Attorney General, by only honoring criminal warrants signed by a judicial officer and not honor administrative warrants signed by a bureaucrat. Cooperation with ICE would mirror that of cooperation with other federal agencies like the FBI, ATF, US Marshals, DEA, IRS, Postal Inspectors, etc. Sheriff’s deputies would not act as ICE agents or perform the duties of ICE agents.

There is no equal or substitute for the current relevant experience in law enforcement and corrections that I’ve gained managing and leading a full-service Sheriff’s Office for 20 years. Real-world experience, ongoing training, and understanding changes in the law allow for effective management and decision-making. Decades-old college degrees and long-past careers in law enforcement cannot prepare someone for the role of Sheriff today. I bring 20 years of current experience in this position.

Policies, resources, and training are already in place to respond to situations involving people with mental health issues. Initial training is provided to all entry level personnel, and annually to all personnel in law enforcement and corrections. Discrimination is avoided by training in anti-discrimination/bias, implicit bias, bias based policing, hate crimes, and cultural diversity. My message to our personnel is to treat every resident of this county the way you would treat your own family.

The levels of community cooperation, involvement, respect, and participation with law enforcement are extremely good. Our longstanding relationships with local, state, and federal agencies are excellent, with routine communication and cooperation whenever needed. Our involvement and support of other county divisions are strong and effective, with open lines of communication and immediate responses. Any differences that exist between public leaders and agency heads are set aside for the citizens.

I would continue to communicate and cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security / ICE, within the law to report criminal illegal aliens with detainers. The reason is very simple. The recently ended 287g Program in Frederick County facilitated the removal of 1,884 identified criminal aliens from Frederick County. This county is safer because of the program. Going forward, the concern is that we will not be able to identify the criminal aliens committing the crimes.