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Position/philosophy statement
Jeff Deringer is "Focused on Community" and brings his 28 years of experience and leadership style to emphasize open dialogue with residents, building trust and ensuring we are responsive to public concerns.
Current Occupation
Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy / Colonel
Campaign Phone
(252)423-1100
As your current Chief Deputy, I possess an in-depth understanding of the Sheriff’s Office and the resources available to meet the communities’ needs. I have progressed through many roles and positions over the years that have laid the foundation of my career and give me the knowledge and ability to be your Sheriff.
Availability of resources and partnerships. This encompasses many aspects from the available mandatory training classes required for law enforcement officers that is offered in our area to the latest technology to support officers and the willingness of both the officers and the community to work together to solve community issues and make our neighborhoods safer.
I will increase the operations and expand the drug task force. Acting on the street level offenders will reduce drug crime. This will lead to combating the distribution of drugs and the associated crimes. Property crimes have decreased in our area. We will continue those efforts and present a strong display of high visibility in the community.
People supporting people. With more staff, we can provide more help to the community.
Our Detention Center provides services directly to people with mental health needs and substance abuse disorders. I will expand the services to include training trade classes so individuals can better transition back into the community.
As Sheriff, my role will evolve significantly by leveraging my comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience to collaboratively develop tangible solutions to the challenges we face. I deeply appreciate the profound dedication and strategic insight required of our command staff. Therefore, I will select and assign individuals for these critical leadership roles of those who possess not only the requisite knowledge and unwavering dedication, but also the integrity essential to safeguarding Dare County's future. My mission as Sheriff will be a dual commitment of continuing the programs that serve our community well today, coupled with the foresight and flexibility to adapt our approaches to better serve the needs of tomorrow to maintain “Law and Order”. These goals and visions are not self-seeking, rather they are focused on strengthening and increasing the safety of our community.
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Position/philosophy statement
My career reflects a lifelong commitment to this county and to public safety, and I believe that experience, combined with proven leadership and a strong connection to this community, prepares me to serve as Dare County Sheriff.
Current Occupation
MASTER SERGEANT
I bring nearly 30 years of public safety experience, including almost 22 years with my agency, where I currently serve as a Master Sergeant. I was promoted within just over three years and have spent more than 18 years in supervisory and leadership roles. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated commitment, professionalism, transparency, and accountability. I have intentionally developed my leadership skills through formal training, including the FBI Command College and the Methodist University West Point Leadership Academy. Most importantly, my experience has shown me that effective leadership requires staying engaged with staff and understanding day-to-day operations by working alongside them.
The most significant challenge is organizational alignment. Like many agencies, gaps in communication and coordination between divisions and administration can create inefficiencies and uncertainty. Another challenge is ensuring that leadership roles are filled by individuals who are properly prepared, accountable, and committed to professional standards. Effective leadership requires more than management; it requires discipline, trust, and credibility. Strong organizations are built when leadership sets the example, communicates clearly, and demonstrates genuine commitment to its people. When employees know their leaders care and understand their work, they are more likely to support the mission and meet community expectations.
My priority would be improving operational effectiveness through consistent training, clear communication, and accountable leadership. I would focus on standardized training across divisions, improved coordination between units, and leadership development to ensure supervisors are prepared for their roles. Clear expectations, measurable performance standards, and proper tools are essential for effective law enforcement operations. I would also prioritize transparent communication with the public to build trust and understanding of our mission. Investing in personnel through training, support, and leadership development strengthens daily operations and ensures we're prepared to meet community needs and public safety expectations.
Additional funding would allow for increased staffing, enhanced training, and improved retention. Increasing the number of deputies assigned to patrol would strengthen coverage, reduce response times, and improve officer and public safety. Adequate staffing would also reduce reliance on neighboring jurisdictions for coverage, ensuring each community receives consistent service. Expanded training opportunities would improve officer readiness, decision-making, and confidence, while also increasing public trust. When leadership prioritizes safe working conditions, competitive staffing levels, and high-quality training, agencies are better positioned to retain experienced personnel and provide reliable, professional law enforcement services.
Successful reentry reduces recidivism and improves public safety. I support evidence-based reentry efforts consistent with the Second Chance Act, which emphasizes coordination between corrections, treatment providers, and community resources. As Sheriff, I would work to strengthen partnerships that support job readiness, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and supervision planning prior to release. Preparing incarcerated individuals for reentry through structured programming and continuity of care helps reduce repeat offenses, improves accountability, and enhances long-term community safety. Reentry initiatives must balance rehabilitation with supervision to ensure both public safety and successful reintegration.
My approach to leadership is grounded in accountability, professionalism, and service. I believe the Sheriff’s Office functions best when leadership is visible, engaged, and willing to listen—to employees and to the community. Public safety depends on both crime prevention and effective crime solving, supported by clear standards, consistent training, and strong investigative practices. I value transparency, fiscal responsibility, and responsible use of authority, recognizing that trust is earned through results and integrity. My goal as Sheriff is to equip personnel with the tools, training, and leadership needed to prevent crime, solve cases efficiently, and provide professional, responsive service that reflects the expectations and values of the community we serve.
