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PLATFORM

RESIDENT DEPUTIES

One of my earliest assignments was that of a “Resident Deputy” in eastern Yellowstone County. This program has not been in use in Yellowstone County for the past several years. Although the term “Resident” is in the title, the assigned deputy may or may not live in the area they are assigned to patrol. The Resident Deputy is assigned to an area in the county as their primary responsibility for an extended period of time. The actual objective of the program is to help ensure that a deputy is more readily available in the outlying areas of Yellowstone County. Their hours and assignments can be adjusted to fit the communities needs. It is up to that Deputy to build a strong working relationship with the citizens of the community and to become familiar with the area. Many of you are familiar with the term C.O.P.S., or Community Oriented Policing. The Resident Deputy is the definition of Community Oriented Policing.

As Sheriff of Yellowstone County, one of my primary goals would be to reinstate the Resident Deputy program.

SEARCH AND RESCUE / COMMUNICATIONS WITH OTHER AGENCIES AND RESPONDERS

In 1985 I volunteered with the Sheriff’s Reserve Program under then-Sheriff Mike Schafer. Something I was able to bring to the department was my talents as a scuba diver. Since then I have been involved in many search and rescue operations in Yellowstone and the surrounding counties. Everything from searching underwater for evidence in a homicide and drowning victims, to looking for motorists lost in snowstorms and lost hunters. I know first hand of the manpower and effort it takes to conduct a coordinated search. A quick, organized response is essential in cases where a life may be at stake. I believe it is essential that we know who is available in a designated area, as well as what resources they may be able to bring with them. My plan is to recruit the assistance of other Law Enforcement Agencies, Fire Departments and Quick Response Units, as well as other available organized search and rescue units when the need arises. HUNTERS, ANGLERS AND HIKERS! Are you aware that 25 cents of every conservation license purchased in Montana goes to a fund to help pay for “ORGANIZED” search and rescue efforts in Montana?

Most of the hunters I spoke to were not aware of this. The Sheriff’s Office can request reimbursement for expenses incurred when conducting an organized search and rescue operation.

PROACTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

Traffic enforcement is more than just writing tickets for having a defective tail light or not stopping for a stop sign. Traffic enforcement is a tool that we use to find and arrest everything from uninsured drivers to major drug dealers. Many of you are probably aware of the higher profile fugitives that have been captured in Montana in the past few years. What you may not know is that many of these arrests have come from traffic related stops and good police work. There is no question that a large number of illegal drugs, as well as drug dealers have been taken off of our streets because of an alert law enforcement officer.

As Sheriff Of Yellowstone County I would continue to support the many successful programs that are already in place in our community. I do however believe it is also important to evaluate these programs on a regular basis in order to make sure we are keeping up with new demands.

By the time the general election comes around in November 2006, I will have served the people of Yellowstone County for more than 17 years as a full time Deputy Sheriff. During those years I have developed an insight into the vast potential for progressive change within the department, as well as the community.

As a whole I believe the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office needs to be more prepared for the possible disasters and emergencies that have plagued our nation in the recent past. Refinery disasters, floods, fires, domestic and international terrorism are just a few incidents we have seen throughout the country. More recently we have seen the deadly tornadoes in the Midwest that are a very real possibility in our own back yard. As your Sheriff I would work to see that your Law Enforcement Officers are better trained and equipped for these types of emergencies. I would also make sure that contingency plans for certain emergencies are in place as soon as possible. Between Laurel, Billings and Lockwood , we have 3 large refineries that can be sources for disaster. Although I know from personal contact that these refineries have excellent security and safety programs in place, there is just no way to predict all of the possibilities.

All of our emergency responders need to be well prepared should the unthinkable happen.