3. The county jail has been the subject of a court order to evaluate its long-term institutional use and effectiveness. What do you think is the solution to the jail question?

Freeman: There is no question that the existing jail and ACSO facility is in dire need of replacement with health and safety issues that cannot be remedied in the existing facility. I believe that we should first seek the assistance of state aid to fund a new facility before burdening taxpayers. There was an opportunity in the past year to submit a legislative funding request for a new facility within a house bill being presented. However, ACSO did not make the request. We need to pursue every opportunity for state aid to fund this project before asking for tax increases.

Mayfield: The county jail was built in the early 1970s and it is now 2015. The architecture was fine in 1970 but it is outdated now. The building is not up to code and would be virtually impossible to bring up to code. We have spent many hours researching more up to date jail facilities and all of them are pod structures and not multi level. That being said, as sheriff it has been my responsibility to make it known to the Board of Supervisors the problems with the building with respect to security which is paramount and the living conditions for not only the inmates but my employees as well. This has been done to protect me as Sheriff and the county from civil litigation. Having done my due diligence and turning the findings over to the board it is no longer up to me to make the decision on what to do. I am not a crusader for a new building and will accept whatever the board decides.

Patten: My solution is to use the money already allocated for the repairs to the jail and forego any further litigation and use the taxpayer’s funds wisely. Additionally, we would implement a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan that will ensure the long-term use and safety of the facility.

Prater: I started working with the Adams County Sheriff Department in 1999 as a jailer. At that time, we needed a new jail. In 1999, the majority of the cell doors did not lock. Inmates would flood their cells upstairs and since their cells are above the offices, the water would run down and often damaged valuable equipment. Yes, we need a new jail facility. The question is, how do we pay for it? When I made my decision to run for sheriff I went to the Chancery Clerk’s office and pick up a copy of the budget. After reviewing that budget and cutting back on some unnecessary spending and combining some of our service with the city of Natchez, we can build what I call The Natchez-Adams Justice Complex without raising taxes.

 

4. How do you feel about the prospect of merging law enforcement duties between the city and county governments to more efficiently use taxpayer money?

Freeman: As chief law enforcement officer of the county, it is important that the sheriff work side-by-side with the police chief building a solid working relationship to create a stronger policing community for Natchez-Adams County, with both citizens and officers benefiting. Currently the police department has training that is not available to the sheriff’s office. Using the Adams County Training Academy with both departments working and training together, we can create unity within both departments and save taxpayer money. This enables our officers to better serve and protect our citizens.

Mayfield: Merging the law enforcement agencies is a very complex thing. On the one hand it would reduce the cost of duplication of services, but it would also mean having to build or find a central location to house such a large contingency with all the necessary space for employees, records, vehicles and a jail large enough to handle both agencies. The Legislature would first have to approve the merger. Under the state constitution the sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer for his county. That means all law enforcement would fall under my direction as an elected sheriff. It would also mean that since we will be eliminating some duplications of service many would lose their positions as the police department would be disbanded. Again I have no personal opinion on this particular subject but would do my duty if that situation is presented to me.

Patten: As a former employee of the ACSO and a current NPD officer, I would be proactive in beginning conversations with city and officials as well and the citizens of Adams County. Our goal is to achieve lower crime rates, reduce repeat offenders, and provide a sense of safety and security in the county. We are open to all suggestions to achieving this goal.

Prater: I feel it’s necessary, but it’s going to take the right man, with the right spirit, and the right vision to bring the city and county leaders together. I know that I’m that man. When I’m elected sheriff, I will work with the city and county leaders to move this community forward.