Monroe County Sheriff
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Ruben Marte'
(Dem)
1. What should be the next steps regarding the jail/justice complex?
2. What policies would you pursue to increase fairness, equal access, and public trust in law enforcement in our community?
3. What will you do to respond to and reduce domestic violence in our county?
4. What role do you see for the sheriff's office in helping the community address homelessness?
The next step is to identify and secure a property that not only meets the design and operational needs of a modern jail and justice complex, but also provides convenience and accessibility for the citizens of Monroe County. The site must support an efficient, safe, and thoughtfully designed facility while ensuring easy access for families, staff, attorneys, service providers, and the public. Selecting the right location is critical to building a facility that serves our community effectively for decades to come.
Serving one term as Sheriff of Monroe County has allowed me not just to propose policies that promote fairness, equal access, and public trust, but to implement them. I was the first Sheriff to openly address the unacceptable conditions inside our jail, creating a public presentation that shared the true state of the facility with the community and media because transparency builds trust. I also implemented cultural awareness training for deputies and staff to strengthen professionalism and service to all members of our community, and we have offered that training to other agencies. Our Jail Commander and I regularly meet with civic and community groups to explain jail operations, discuss challenges, and share the reforms we are pursuing.
Domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous situations our deputies face, and we respond to them immediately because someone needs protection and support. Our office takes a firm, proactive approach. When deputies have probable cause to believe a battery has occurred, our policy is to make an arrest on the scene to ensure accountability and immediate safety for the victim. Those arrested for domestic violence are held in our facility for a minimum of 24 hours before release, providing victims time to seek protective orders, access resources, and create safety plans. Swift enforcement and victim-centered policies are essential to reducing domestic violence, and protecting victims remains a top priority for Monroe County.
Leadership is best judged by actions, not words. During one of the coldest periods of the year, county officials were preparing to remove members of the homeless community from a temporary encampment on county property. Because no private property interests were involved and the displacement would have occurred during dangerous weather conditions, I decided my office would not assist in removing individuals or dismantling their shelters. I believe we must show compassion while recognizing that jail should not become a refuge for those experiencing homelessness. I will continue working with community partners and service providers to support solutions that help people improve their circumstances while maintaining public safety.
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