Note: During the recent Voter Services one candidate for Sheriff (Jeff Conner) answered questions, the other candidate (Jeff Larner) was scheduled to be at the forum but was unavoidably detained so he answered the same questions in writing. You can hear Jeff Conner's answers in the video above. Candidate Jeff Larner has provided the following written answers.

 

Jeff Larner Answers:

1. What exactly does the sheriff do, and what are the office's most pressing issues?

The Sheriff is the top Law Enforcement official in the county. His/her duties involve protecting the citizens through proactive, effective and efficient leadership associated with various investigations, emergency response, patrols duties, warrants, managing the county jail and managing the budget in a fiscally conservative manner. Working with and engaging the general public is critical to developing relationships but also coordinating efforts with both the State's Attorney and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

2.If your department received a call about a mentally ill person who was threatening people with a knife, what would you hope would result from your officers going there?

What kind of leadership, training and resources would you provide to help ensure that kind of outcome?

The result of this is contingent on several factors. Providing law enforcement personnel with continued and advanced de-escalation training and resources is fundamental to the preservation of life. All lives. The objective in any encounter is to reduce the likelihood for a deadly encounter. We decrease the likelihood of this through diligent recruiting and hiring efforts, and maintenance training.

3.What is the procedure when the sheriff's deputies are called to a scene of domestic violence?

How much discretion does an officer have?  Do you think the procedures could use improvement?

Law enforcement officers are mandated reporters of domestic violence. There is some discretion based on initial available evidence, witness statements, etc. Victims must be first and foremost protected. In general, procedures should always be reviewed, revised if necessary and tested against best practices and any changes in the law. This process with any procedural review is paramount to an effective and better LE agency.

4. Do you think more minority hires are needed at the Sheriff's department? If yes, how would you go about the recruitment?

The goal for any administration should be for the agency to accurately reflect the community they serve. Diversity is vital to success. LE agencies across the US are faced with hiring and retention issues in finding the best candidates. Those agencies that utilize successful recruiting agencies specializing in LE careers have a better chance to attract the best. Retention is based on being able to keep talent through incentives, advancement and promotional opportunities. I believe former military and college athletes can be excellent recruits due to their disciplined background and abilities.