My wife and I moved to Natchez approximately 18 months ago.

Prior to moving to Natchez, I was employed with the Los Angeles Police Department for over 30 years. Upon retiring we both decided that we wanted to get out of the fast pace of living in Southern California.

We decided to move to Natchez because my wife was born and raised in Jefferson County and this was coming home to her and everyone in Natchez has been extremely friendly and courteous.

In my career as a police officer I worked all areas from the street to working with the district attorney’s office. Law enforcement is a profession not a job. It takes a very special person to wear a badge, but it takes an exceptional person to run a sheriff department and enforce all existing laws.

The Sheriff of Adams County must have leadership experience; excellent organizational skills and be able to make snap decisions at all times. The sheriff must also be able to work with deputies and civilian employees, run the jail and watch over the welfare of each prisoner.

The Sheriff of Adams County must also work with the public; meet with supervisor members; handle complaints; and make decisions that impact the entire Adams County community.

I had the opportunity to talk to several of the deputies with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and found them courteous, professional, polite and knowledgeable.

I have had an opportunity to review the candidates seeking the position of Sheriff of Adams County, and I can find only one candidate that is qualified for this position and that is Travis Patten.

Sheriff Patten has a proven track record. He has an AA degree in criminal justice and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree. He has complete executive management training at the National Sheriff’s Institute.

The following is a list of Sheriff Patten’s accomplishments:

2017-2018-Legislative Committee for the MS Sheriff’s Association;

2017-recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award;

2016-became a member of the Federal Law Enforcement Association;

2017-Crime Stoppers’ Award for Southwest MS;

2018-Crime Stoppers’ Award for Southwest MS;

2018-became a member of the FBI Terrorism Taskforce.

Sheriff Patten was invited to Washington D.C. to meet with the Department of Justice where he spoke with then Deputy Attorney General Rob Rosenstein.

Patten has worked with the FBI, DEA and the Los Angeles Police Department to stop a drug ring running from Los Angeles to Natchez.

The above are just a few of Sheriff Patten’s qualifications.

Not only is Patten on the job 24/7; 365 days a year but he is also a dedicated family man and a deacon at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Patten also graduated from the Five Fold School of Theology International with a Doctorate in Theology and Divinity.

I urge the voters of Adams County to look at the qualifications for the candidates for Sheriff of Adams County.

I am sure they will agree with me and cast their vote for Patten, a man with a proven track record.

Roland Jones,

Natchez resident