Sheriff Candidates Discuss Safety, Security

Last week’s Sheriff Candidates Forum broadcast on WCBC had three candidates answering questions that ran the gamut of policing in the county. One question combined protection, safety and security.

Candidate David Morgan pointed to successes of the Sheriff’s Department:   “Criminals are always going to commit crime, but I feel the Sheriff’s office does an excellent job – that we’re going to catch them and we’re going to put them in front of a judge each and every time.”

Rich Godlove addressed staffing and positioning…   “Strengthening the detention center and courthouse with special police and special deputies, eliminating the need for road deputies to be assigned there, that will strengthen up the patrol division and it will strengthen the courthouse and detention center.”

Candidate Andrew Opel spoke on staff responsibility and growth…  “I believe that by giving men and women a chance to rise up to the challenge I believe that 99 times out of 100, they meet it. Especially considering the men and women I worked with at the Sheriff’s office, I know that.”