Smith announces candidacy for sheriff
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“The drug problem cannot be solved by the sheriff’s department alone. It’s going to have to be a joint effort with the public,” Smith said. “In my 13 years in law enforcement, the way I made so many arrests was by getting my information from the public and working to make the arrest.”
Smith pointed out citizens know their neighborhoods better than anyone and are able to provide information about where crimes are being committed and where potential drug activity is going on.
Smith said he will accomplish this community effort in several ways. One will be to have community meetings where people can voice their concerns on a regular basis. Smith said he will also ensure his officers maintain an approachable and professional attitude and keep higher visibility and provide quicker response times.
“We want to get it so people aren’t afraid of law enforcement,” Smith said. “By talking to people, we make them feel safer plus we get valuable information which helps solve crimes.”
Smith said he plans to re-introduce the neighborhood watch plan to the communities, and help train citizens in crime awareness and prevention. He also plans to begin checking businesses at night on a regular basis to help merchants feel at ease about safety.
Communication within the department and with other agencies is also key in solving crimes, Smith said.
“We must make sure our shifts are communicating with one another, because when things are left out then there could be a problem,” Smith said. “We need to work with all law enforcement agencies. There’s no reason for agencies to work against each other when we’re working for the same goal.”
As for the war on drugs, Smith said he plans to continue education in the schools through the DARE program. He also believes in an aggressive fight against drugs.
“We must fight the drug problem head on with a zero tolerance,” Smith said. “Drugs are destroying our community and this is a war we must win.”
Smith, a 1976 Warren County graduate, has worked with the Warren County Sheriff’s Department for 13 years and spent two years with the department of corrections. He has 17 years service in the national guard. He has completed numerous law enforcement schools including basic police school, post certification, criminal investigations, arson investigation, domestic violence, counter drug special weapons and tactics (SWAT), criminal drug interdiction for patrol on both commercial and passenger vehicles, methamphetamine clandestine laboratory training with the DEA, basic tracking and advance tracking school and officer survival.
Smith said he is running because he loves Warren County and wants to continue his service here.
“I have a love for the community and the people here and I want to keep helping,” Smith said. “I will be a hard-working, fair, equal and honest sheriff and strive to create a sheriff’s department everyone in Warren County will be proud of. As your sheriff I will be available to talk to you on a one-to-one basis, to come to your home and to be available to you night or day and to have an open-door policy.”