Q1: What do you feel is the most important role as Fisher County Sheriff?
The most important role of Sheriff here in Fisher County is to lead the agency and the county in a fair and reasonable manner, working in partnership with the other elected officials, other government agencies, private groups, and most of all the citizens. But beyond that, the Sheriff and his deputies, needs to be a trusted friend to the community. That is my goal for the Fisher County Sheriff’s Office.
Q2: How do you plan to work with county commissioners and judge to find a solution to reopen the county jail?
Regarding a plan to work with the county judge and commissioners to restore the jail, there will have to be a period of review to determine if there is a benefit to having it shut down. The citizens overwhelmingly voted for the facility. During the budget process I provided copies of Texas Local Government Code Section 351.001 defining the county’s duty to operate a jail and exemptions to the court as well as the Double Mountain Chronicle.
Looking back over the time the jail has been here, I believe there were mistakes made all the way around. It may have not been well designed or thought out for the needs at the time, or future needs. If it had been built as a holding facility, it would have possibly functioned more in line with the needs of the community.
Conversely, if it had been done on a larger scale and staffed appropriately, it would be able to meet the county’s needs and provided much needed space that could be leased to surrounding communities providing an income to offset its operating costs.
I am currently working through several unforeseen issues arising from out of county housing of inmates, so I anticipate an extended time period until we are able to get it all sorted out.
Once we are through this process, we can look at the numbers and weigh the pros and cons of the move. I look forward to working with all involved parties in trying to find a resolution that is best for our taxpayers.
Q3: In your view, what role should the sheriff's department play in collaborating with other local agencies (such as city officials, schools, or community organizations) to tackle broader issues like public safety, mental health, and drug prevention?
The Sheriff’s Department needs to be taking the lead on these issues, since they all deal directly or indirectly with public safety and livability.
In addressing various groups, as well as in my video online, I have said that over the years, the Fisher County Sheriff’s Office had a somewhat tarnished reputation. This was especially true with surrounding law enforcement agencies, and with other city officials, ISDs, and some community organizations.
I have done considerable outreach having meetings with our surrounding law enforcement partners and making sure we have a good working relationship with all of them. I have made sure to include our fire and emergency services teams in this as well. I have met with school personnel in Roby and Rotan. This year we were able to maintain a professional presence at the annual rodeo. I, or one of my staff members, attend the child abuse meetings that take place monthly in Sweetwater I have deep personal ties for working with mental health and drug rehab issues. Since becoming the Sheriff, 1 have had direct contact with the mental health caseworkers that provide services here and worked on creating a positive relationship. I am still working on developing a relationship with some of our drug and alcohol rehab groups. In the future I plan to try to partner with the Drug Court run by the 32nd Judicial District in Sweetwater after seeing its’ success rates.
All in all, we have been making headway in these areas, and I look forward to continuing this path.