Position/philosophy statement
My philosophy is rooted in public safety, professionalism, and community centered policing
Current Occupation
Law enforcement
Age (optional)
39
Campaign Phone
828-899-5647
I have 18.5 years of law enforcement experience. Including time spent with the Forest City Police Department and the North Carolina Highway Patrol. In these positions I was able to perform multiple law enforcement roles that required sound judgment, quick decision making, and professionalism under pressure. I understand that effective leadership requires clear communication, accountability, and a strong internal culture. My combination of real-world law enforcement experience, leadership perspective, and commitment to professionalism makes me well prepared to serve as Sheriff and lead the office effectively from day one.
I believe that the most important issue for the Sheriffs office currently is a lack of trust and visibility with the Sheriffs office and a need for a greater involvement of community oriented policing.
One of the first improvements I will make with the Sheriffs office would be to revamp and improve the field training for the officers. A better trained officer is a better asset for the community. Secondly, I will encourage and push for officers to greatly increase the amount of community involvement. This will include more business and residential checks, more visibility in the community, and additional presence at community events. A positive encounter with law enforcement will outweigh most negative interactions.
A major service that can be improved with more funding would be school resource officers. That section is under funded and under staffed. More positions need to be created and those positions need to be properly trained to ensure safety for some of our most precious assets. Our children. School resource officers can also be one of the first positive interactions that kids will have with law enforcement. That is a time for them to build a bond that can last a lifetime.
Changes I will make for incarcerated offenders will start with the offer of outside help in the form of community assisted programs and guidance. I will offer religious services and counseling for those that want to make a change. Recidivism is a real problem and anything we can do as a society to reduce it will make our county a better place.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Position/philosophy statement
Success comes when everyone works toward the same goal
Current Occupation
Saluda NC Police Chief
Age (optional)
55
Campaign Phone
828-606-4179
I have worked for the last three Sheriff’s of Polk County in my career. I saw things that were implemented by each that worked for the people of Polk County but I also saw the things that didn’t. I plan to combine the positive in each of these implementations to build a more relatable and respected force of competent men and women to serve the residents of Polk County.
I also will strive to develop a department that will respect the citizens and earn their respect through communication and professionalism seen in their conduct. This will build long term relationships to let the officers be seen as part of these communities to their citizens.
I will give you the most challenging issue in many departments and Sheriff Offices currently. Officer retention and being able to bring in officers that will build time working in a jurisdiction or County till the citizens know them by name and gain the residents confidence and trust. I would like to see retained Officers that feel strongly about their career in law enforcement build relationships with residents that make them feel appreciated for the career path they have chosen. I believe that if we are able to deter crime and build relationships in our communities this will build confidence, respect and trust in the Officers protecting and serving Polk County.
I would like to see the existing number of officers used more rurally than they are at this time. I believe if your officers are patrolling the county or sections of the county making themselves highly visible throughout their shift it will deter crime. This will also assist in the correction of some traffic violations such as speeding if driver's do not know when they will cross paths with a sheriff’s deputy. Simple changes can often have huge impacts if they are consistently performed
I have thought long and hard about what division is the most used in the Sheriffs Office. Patrol should be your strongest division. Patrol is the first officers on scene. They also are the protectors of that scene if need be until other divisions arrive. Patrol will be given tasks from other divisions such as Civil service or animal control if these divisions are not covered around the clock. They are the ones that interact first with victims and suspects. A competent administration is needed to lead all divisions of a department so I am not making light of the need for strong leadership. I am saying training and supplying your patrol division assist in more ways than the normal citizens can imagine.
I throughly believe that our jails and prisons are full of individuals that for the most part are good people that have made a bad decision along the way. These decisions will forever change their lives. Getting some jobs or schooling are almost impossible to get if you have to provide a background check. For the individuals that truly want help to change their life for the better. I believe they should be assistance in getting them involved in programs that help. There are several options available in Western NC. If these individuals can apply prior to release with the help of a delegated Detention Center Official that can supply information for existing programs availability . It is my belief this will lead to a higher reform rate.
I know that given the opportunity to become Polk County Sheriff will be a demanding position. I am willing to take this position for the citizens of Polk County. Together residents, visitors and the Sheriff’s Office can efficiently accomplish goals for the betterment of everyone that loves Polk County.
Position/philosophy statement
Serving as your sheriff has been an absolute honor. My philosophy is simple, Protect our community, Protect our children, and strive to build trust within our community everyday. As your sheriff I will remain steadfast to protect your rights.
Current Occupation
Sheriff
Age (optional)
54
I am a Polk County native and attended Tryon Elementary and graduated from Tryon High School in 1989. I am a Navy veteran and have over 30 years of experience in Law Enforcement. I have a Master's Degree from Methodist University in Justice Administration. I have my Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and Sheriff's Education and Training Standards Division. I successfully completed the West Point Leadership Program through Methodist University. My training and experience and education clearly surpass my opponents.
Staffing issues is felt throughout the law enforcement community. Living in a smaller community with a lower tax base makes it more difficult to obtain and retain patrol deputies and detention officers. With neighboring counties with a larger tax base, those counties can offer more money to attract deputies looking to support their families. Interest in law enforcement has been at an all-time low. Although the number of cadet graduates are rising with the last few classes, the bigger agencies often fill slots quicker because of the starting pay.
Although we have created new programs since I've been elected sheriff, we are still looking for ways to serve the community. We started getting more involved with the younger population through our School Resource Division. Interacting daily and reading to elementary age students. Building trust and braking barriers in hopes to inspire our youth. We have kids camp during the summer building bonds and trust through lessons and activities keeping the kids engaged. Our agency is constantly searching for ways to improve relationships within our community.
Refer back to question #2. Recruitment and retention are a big obstacle we try to overcome with each new budget. Working with the county manager to weigh every option to determine the best solution for the problem and to stay economically responsible with taxpayer money. Additional equipment for the safety and security for the deputies as well as the public. Newer technology available often takes years for our agency to obtain.
Continue with what we are offering now. We offer counseling services and provide inmates with local resources within the area to help them get back on their feet. Bible studies and material are given to those inmates that choose to request them. Our chaplain handles these needs and has worked with additional agencies in the area to help fill the needs inmates may have. Last year 182 Certificate Awards were given to inmates who completed certain programs or initiatives they enrolled in.
Candidate has not yet responded.
