5. What would you change about how the sheriff’s office is operated? What is being done right?

Freeman: (I would) operate the office as a full-time sheriff with an open-door policy (and) restore professionalism, honor and integrity to the sheriff’s office.

Due to low morale, 17 employees have left during the past 18 months. We need a family type working environment that encourages longevity. A pay scale should be instituted to create equity in pay. New employees should not be paid a higher salary than employees with years of service. Pay raises should be given across the board. We need a better system of hiring. Background checks and drug screenings must be required to assure the best are hired.

Mayfield: As sheriff I have brought the office into the 21st century. We have instituted a change in patrol procedures that have made deputies much more visible on the streets and especially in rural areas that have been neglected. Our narcotics unit has had great success in reducing the visibility and the trafficking in drugs. Our jail staff and dispatchers are highly trained and certified. Our investigators have had an amazing amount of success in solving crimes and recovering stolen property. Our office administration is efficiently and professionally run and all our record keeping for the state and federal governments are up to date. As sheriff I can say that everything is being done professionally and efficiently.

Patten: First, I would like to give praises to the deputies that are currently serving at Adams County Sheriff Office. They are dedicated, hardworking deputies who have seen numerous changes over the last several years. Their commitment to continue serving our community speaks volumes of the character of deputies in Adams County. I applaud each of them for continuing to serve and protect Adams County and her citizens.

Changes that I would implement would be based on morale building/recruitment, budgeting, and office conduct. First, I would ensure that a certified law enforcement officer would serve as supervisors for other officers. This ensures that deputies have a fellow officer to relate to, respect, as well as report to them. Secondly, I plan to implement a 30/60/90 day plan to reduce cost. Thirdly, I will implement a pay scale that is fair to all employees. A new hire with minimal or little experience should not out earn a veteran officer. Finally, I want to implement an officer code of conduct that will address conduct for officers on and off duty. We are extremely proud to represent Adams County, and we want our actions to be reflective of such.

 Prater: The biggest problem I see in the operation of the sheriff’s office is the unwillingness of the sheriff to work with others. Particularly the relationship between the sheriff department and the police department, because it is the worst it’s been in years. How can we say that we’re here to serve this community and we hardly communicate amongst ourselves? The relationship between the two parties should be like a great marriage. Right now we need a marriage counselor!

 

6. What can be done to better deter crime? What about youth crime in particular?

Freeman: Creating sub-stations at volunteer fire departments will deter crime with units more visible in rural areas. Sub-stations will reduce response time to calls in those areas. Time and financial resources spent on deputies traveling to the sheriff’s office for complaints and reports will be greatly reduced with sub-stations in place.

Crime prevention programs must start with our youth. Junior Deputy and D.A.R.E. programs discontinued five years ago must be reinstated. Our youth need to know that law officers are there to help, mentor and guide them. We can change their future and deter them from a life of crime.

Mayfield: I have found that strong drug enforcement and visibility of patrol as well as a record of success in solving crime has lowered crime under my direction. Neighborhood Watch programs that we have instituted have been very successful in helping our officers solve crimes and also prevent them. As officers, getting to know our citizens on a personal basis through the watch programs has been very effective. A public that trusts their sheriff’s office is more willing to come forward and that has been a benchmark of our success the last six years. As for youth crime, having positive role models around them at all times is essential. Unfortunately there are many young people who have no positive role models in their life. These are the youth that are more than likely going to be in trouble. A strong mentoring program is sorely needed in this community. I know firsthand as I directed the mentoring children of prisoners for almost three years. I was very proud of the program and saw amazing results from it. Our youth need strong guidance in todays world as there are so many more temptations and danger now than there ever has been.

Patten: Again collaboration is needed throughout the community. One of the reasons that my platform is “Connecting the Communities” is because we understand the needs for better community relations is connecting all sectors of our community. The saying that “it takes a village to raise a child,” is still relevant today. Our young people need positive role models in their life who demonstrates a lifestyle conducive to success while displaying positive character traits. Building a trusting relationship and investing time with the youth is extremely essential to their character development. We must work on the mind (the education component), the body (the health component) and the soul (the character building component) in order to ensure success. Everyone has a vision of what success is, but sometimes they take the wrong path to get there. We must show them the right path other than the path that leads to a life of crime. If we apply these principles, we can reduce youth crime significantly by committing to a long-term investment in our youth.

Prater: We have to identify potential threats at an early stage and become more proactive with our approach towards crime. We must stop waiting on crime to occur and do everything we can to create an environment in which criminals will be uncomfortable in. Our youth are crying for help; we as a community must come together and improve our educational and  recreational facilities. I believe if we provide our youth with positive people and a positive environment, we’ll see a decrease in the number of youth offenders.