I have the experience, skills and vison to lead the Sheriff's Department into the future.
My stance is clear: We must hold criminals accountable, address the root causes to end the cycle of lawlessness and maintain a transparent department that residents can trust.
Transparency and Accountability
To build trust and ensure that our Sheriff’s Department remains accountable to the community we serve, I will implement and/or continue to practice:
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Open Communication: Using a variety of methods, I will maintain open lines of communication with the public through regular community meetings.
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Body Cameras: Continue to equip our deputies with body cameras/dash cams to provide transparency in interactions with the public.
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Public Reporting: We will regularly publish reports on departmental activities, use-of-force incidents, and other relevant data. We will implement a user-friendly public facing website to ensure community members have a mechanism to find information directly from our department when applicable.
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Advisory Board Audits: I will conduct audits with advisory boards to examine complaints and incidents involving deputies, ensuring an unbiased evaluation process.
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Drug Abuse
I will implement a comprehensive approach, aimed to make significant progress in combating drug abuse and enhancing the overall well-being of our community. My strategy will include:
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Prevention Programs: We will collaborate with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and other community organizations to develop and implement robust prevention programs specifically targeting opioid abuse. These initiatives should encompass educational campaigns, school-based programs, and community workshops designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
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Treatment and Rehabilitation: Expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation services is a top priority. While partnering with local healthcare providers to offer a comprehensive range of services, including detoxification, counseling, and long-term rehabilitation programs, is ideal, the Sheriff’s Department will focus on facilitating connections between individuals and existing local resources. Our goal is to ensure these services are known, accessible, and affordable, providing individuals struggling with addiction the support they need to recover and reintegrate into society.
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Education and Training: Equipping our deputies with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle drug-related incidents is crucial. We will provide extensive training on recognizing and responding to drug abuse and overdose situations. This training will include the use of naloxone (Narcan) to reverse opioid overdoses, identifying signs of drug abuse, and employing effective communication techniques to support individuals in crisis. Continuous education will keep our deputies updated on the latest best practices.
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Community Outreach: Engaging with the community is essential in our fight against drug abuse. We will conduct proactive outreach efforts to educate the public about the risks of opioid abuse and the resources available for help. This will involve organizing town hall meetings, distributing informational materials, and collaborating with local media to spread awareness. Building strong community relationships will foster trust and encourage individuals to seek assistance when needed.
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Accountability and Enforcement: As a law enforcement agency, we will hold individuals accountable for engaging in criminal activities related to drug abuse. This includes targeted enforcement efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and distribution networks, as well as working closely with prosecutors to ensure that offenders are held responsible for their actions. By combining enforcement with support and rehabilitation, we aim to reduce recidivism and promote long-term recovery.
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Youth Violence
To address and prevent youth violence, I will build on and/or implement several key initiatives, while also acknowledging the legislative challenges that impact our efforts:
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ï‚·Community Engagement: We will partner with schools, community organizations, and parents to create programs that engage youth in positive activities. This collaboration aims to provide safe spaces and constructive outlets for young people.
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Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentorship initiatives where deputies can guide at-risk youth, offering them positive role models and support. These programs can help build trust and provide guidance to those who might otherwise be drawn into violent activities.
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Education and Awareness: Implementing educational campaigns about the dangers of gun violence and conflict resolution strategies. By raising awareness, we aim to equip youth with the knowledge and skills to avoid violent situations.
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Enhanced Patrols: Increasing patrols in areas with high youth violence to deter criminal activities and ensure a safe environment. Visible law enforcement presence can act as a deterrent and provide a sense of security to the community.
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De-escalation and Use of Force
Ensuring that deputies are proficient in de-escalating tense encounters continues to be a priority, and I will achieve this through:
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Training Programs: Continue comprehensive training programs focused on de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution. These programs should follow the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) and Revised Code of Washington (RCW) requirements, ensuring that all training is up-to-date and effective.
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Policy Review: Continuously review and update use-of-force policies to align with best practices and community expectations. This ensures that policies are not only compliant with CJTC and RCW standards but also reflect the latest research and community feedback.
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Regular Assessments: Conduct regular assessments and simulations to ensure deputies are proficient in de-escalation tactics. This includes scenario-based training that reflects real-life situations, helping deputies to practice and refine their skills in a controlled environment.
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Support Systems: Enhance support systems for staff, including mental health resources, to help individuals manage stress and make sound decisions. Access to mental health professionals and peer support programs can significantly improve deputies’ well-being and performance.
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Diversifying Staff
I believe diversifying the makeup of the Sheriff’s Department is essential. To create a safer, more inclusive, and transparent environment for all residents of Pierce County, we will build on and improve our current hiring and training protocols focusing on:
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Inclusive Hiring Practices: Implement hiring practices that promote diversity and inclusivity within the department.
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Removing Bias: Ensuring job descriptions and interview processes are free from bias.
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Diverse Panels: Having diverse hiring panels to provide different perspectives.
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Equal Opportunities: Providing equal opportunities for all qualified candidates.
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Community Representation: We will strive to ensure our department’s staff reflects the diverse communities we serve. We aim to build trust and improve relations between the department and the community by:
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Demographic Matching: Hiring staff that mirrors the racial, ethnic, and cultural makeup of the community.
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Community Involvement: Encouraging staff to participate in community events and activities.
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Cultural Competency Training: Provide ongoing cultural competency training to all staff to enhance understanding and respect for different backgrounds. This can be achieved by providing training to improve interactions and reduce misunderstandings, such as:
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Workshops and Seminars: Regular sessions on cultural awareness and sensitivity.
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Scenario-Based Training: Practical exercises that simulate real-life situations involving diverse cultural interactions.
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Outreach and Recruitment: With the goal of attracting a wide range of candidates to ensure a diverse workforce, we will actively seek out and encouraging individuals from diverse communities to apply for positions within the department. We can do so through:
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Community Events: Attending job fairs and community events to connect with potential candidates.
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Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations and educational institutions to reach a broader audience.
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Targeted Advertising: Using media and platforms that are popular within diverse communities to advertise job openings.
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