What are your qualifications to be sheriff?
30 Years of Law Enforcement Experience, 12 Years Military as Special Agent with Leadership, Proven Leadership in Operations, Command & Control, Budgeting, and I meet All of the State of Tennessee Requirements to run for the Office of Sheriff.

Why are you the best person for the job?
I have real world Law Enforcement Experience with Local, State, and Federal Agencies. I will hold the criminals accountable for their actions, just as I hold the deputies accountable for theirs. I am involved in the everyday operation of the SCSO, and will not ignore problems such as the Jail, hiring/retention, deputy benefits such as a beneficial retirement plan, affordable Health Care, a Medical Retirement for those that pay the ultimate sacrifice to the community that they protect. Competitive salaries for all SCSO Employees.

What do you plan to accomplish in your first 30 days?
In the first 30 days, I plan on setting an all star team of command staff that will review current critical policies, and align those policies with attacking high crime areas, hunting those individuals that prey on our community with violence, and making the community feel safe with high visibility and effective programs that thwart criminal activity after incarceration.

In your first 90 days?
In the first 90, we will review the past 30 days, adjust where we need to, and continue to move forward with protecting the citizens, fighting crime, obtaining control, and rekindling relationships with our Partner Agencies.

Why do you want to become sheriff?
Simple.  I am the leader this county needs to regain the lost control from the criminal organizations who thrive on lawlessness and mayhem.

What do you believe is the most important ability to be a leader?
There are three:
#1 – Communication Skills
#2 – Active Listening Skills
#3 – Effective Leadership Skills

What kind of leadership will you bring to the sheriff’s office?
My effective leadership style is one that molds to the situation. I pride myself for being able to adapt to a changing environment, while remaining calm, and resilient during high stress situations.

POLICY CHANGE AND IMPLEMENTATION

What do you think is the number one thing that needs to change at the sheriff’s Office and how would you change it?
The number one priority we face right now is that crime is out of control, but we also have a major problem with the jail. First order of business is to move the low risk inmates out if 201 to another facility, while we await a long term fix. Also, we make Memphis and the surrounding cities feel safe by increasing visibility in high crime areas.

How would you address the rise in crime?
Boots on the ground reduce crime while using every available resource to battle the issue until it becomes a controllable, manageable issue.

What will you do to improve transparency from the sheriff’s department?
The Sheriff’s Office will remain transparent with public updates regarding valid complaints, and continue to use the Professional Standards and Integrity Unit to investigate any violations of policy that occur by the Deputies.

How will you ensure the sheriff’s department builds and maintains community trust?
By Building programs that are resourceful and valuable to the community.

What strategies will you implement to tackle drug-related crimes?
Drug related crimes are both controversial and necessary. The war on opioid related drug offenses is critical, as opioid abuse is causing overdose deaths at an unbelievable rate. Focusing on the most harmful drug crimes is a priority, while misdemeanor amounts of marijuana are not as critical. Ultimately, as the highest ranking Law Enforcement Officer in the county, my stance on drug related crimes will fall in line with State Law.

How will you manage the department’s budget and resources efficiently?
Budgeting is based on the needs vs wants, and remaining vigilant to aging infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment.

What is your stance on community policing, and how will you implement it?
Community Policing puts the deputy back into the community where their direct patrols and relationships are built with the citizens. Building relationships helps the citizens earn the trust of the Deputies, who will ultimately share information on known criminal activity. The community helps fight the crime problems and are brought in to provide input, which also acts as citizen oversight.

ETHICS, CONDUCT, AND COMMUNITY RELEATIONS

What is your opinion on the use of force?
Use of Force is necessary to provide the safety of the community, the Deputies, and the Suspects. If the Suspect chooses to use force to evade capture, intentionally harming the Deputies, we will continue to use the Use of Force Continuum to meet force with a higher level of force to stop the threat and ultimately apprehend the Suspect.

How will you approach issues of racial profiling and discrimination in law enforcement?
Racial Profiling and Discrimination are both very illegal. My team will ensure training is being conducted and retained to prevent this from happening, as well as holding the Deputy Accountable for their own personal actions.

What measures will you take to ensure officer accountability and conduct?
The Bureau of Professional Standards and Integrity will continue to monitor complaint cases for personal conduct. We will continue to handle those cases with the Policy and Procedures violators being disciplined and intimately terminated for egregious behavior.

How do you plan to handle internal investigations and potential corruption?
By thoroughly investigating those complaints through BPSI investigators and listening to the recommendations made by those in power and via the District Attorney General.