Issues
Crime |
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The number one issue affecting our county is crime. It is a well known fact that the vast majority of our crime is drug related. Most directly, it is a crime to possess, manufacture, and sell illegal drugs. Drug usage also affects behavior by generating violence and other illegal activity. A recent study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has revealed some startling statistics. Past year drug users were found to be 16 times more likely to be arrested and charged with larceny and theft. Past year drug users were 9 times more likely to be arrested and charged for assault. In order to reduce crime, we must attack the root cause: drug usage and drug abuse. I am a firm believer in a strong cooperative multi-agency crime solving approach. We know that when we work together, we can accomplish amazing results. As Sheriff, I will immediately merge all Sheriff's Department narcotics investigators with the Worcester County Drug Task Force, in one joint cooperative effort. I realize that defeating criminals requires teamwork. |
Child Advocacy
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Last year there were 88 child sex investigations in Worcester County. With the tragedy of Sarah Haley Foxwell and the shocking revelation concerning Dr. Bradley in Delaware, we must establish a child sex crime and sexual predator task force within Worcester County. A trained Deputy will be assigned on a full time basis. Nothing is more important than the safety of our children. |
Community Policing
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I am committed to a Community Policing Philosophy. Law Enforcement must partner with the community, working together to identify crime-related problems, determine their root causes, and seek joint solutions that permanently eliminate these problems. As Sheriff, I will be conducting community forums across the county, listening to our concerned citizens and developing trust and citizen participation in creative problem-solving efforts.
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Fiscal Responsibility
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As your Sheriff, I will make sure that your tax dollars are spent wisely. Costly out-of-county commuting will be discontinued. Overtime usage will be strictly monitored, and an annual online report will detail every expenditure and use of overtime by our Sheriff's Department. |
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Information Technology |
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As part of the Community Policing Philosophy, our citizens need to be aware of the latest crime trends and criminal information. A functional and user-friendly website will be developed to provide up-to-date information on crimes as they are committed, crime maps, statistics, fraud and scam information, and answers to frequently asked questions. Citizens will know immediately about any crime sprees, in order to solicit information as to suspects or vehicles involved.. |
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Partnership in Training |
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We will cooperatively develop training programs and exercises with our law enforcement partners, school officials, business leaders, and fire and EMS personnel. We need to train together for all types of disasters, whether they be natural or criminal. "Active Shooter" joint training is a must. We hope and pray that we never have a Columbine style disaster, but we have to be prepared. |
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| Police Accreditation |
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Voluntarily begin a Police Accreditation process in order to insure that our Sheriff's Department meets or exceeds today's professional standards. Many of our leading Law Enforcement Agencies have already been nationally accredited, and we should be too. |
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| Questions and Answers |
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I have been asked many questions about my desire to be the next Sheriff of Worcester County and where I stand on certain issues. I would like to go on record and publicly state the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
(1) Why do you want to be Sheriff?
I want to be your Sheriff because I know that I can make a difference in the lives of the citizens of Worcester County. With 25 years of State Police service, and having served in every position from Road Trooper to Barrack Commander, I have the necessary leadership skills to fulfill the duties of the Office of Worcester County Sheriff.
(2) With the current economic situation, how would you manage the Sheriff's Department?
Many of my friends and family live on fixed incomes. With the increased cost of health care and medical expenses, they cannot afford additional taxes. Like a business, we must do more with less. As Sheriff, I will discontinue out-of-county commuting use of police cars. This "job perk" is costly and cannot be justified to our hardworking taxpayers. Overtime use will be strictly monitored. An online Annual Report will detail every expenditure and use of overtime by our Sheriff's Department.
(3) What are your plans concerning the drug problem in Worcester County?
Knowing that the majority of crime is drug-related, I will immediately strengthen our involvement with the Worcester County Drug Task Force. The current Sheriff's Department narcotic investigators will be merged with the Task Force in order to reunite local and allied agencies in one strong cooperative, multi-agency effort.
(4) What are your plans concerning the recent increase in child sex crimes?
As a member of the Stockton Volunteer Fire Department, I participated in the Christmas Day search for Sarah Haley Foxwell. We must do everything in our power to insure that those who abuse and terrorize our children are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As Sheriff, I will have a trained Deputy assigned full time to our County Child Advocacy Center.
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