There is little doubt that illegal narcotics have an enormous impact on the safety of Black Hawk County. Estimates indicate that over 80% of all crime committed in Iowa is attributable to illegal narcotics. Whether it be burglaries and thefts committed to get money for drugs, or assaults and domestic violence because of being high on drugs, we can do a better job at detecting, deterring and interdicting illegal drugs. (more...)
In the last 4 years, I have worked diligently in reducing illegal narcotics distribution in Black Hawk County. In these last four years, my narcotics partner and I have been responsible for sending over 100 drug dealers to prison and know from personal experience the impact that this effort has had on families, children (both born and un-born), property and neighborhoods. I recognized that through increasing efforts in the detection and enforcement of drug crimes, we can have dramatic impact on all crime in our communities.
In my first year as Sheriff, I will increase the training and education offerings regarding narcotics detection, interdiction and investigations. Additionally, by placing appropriate command focus on illegal drug enforcement efforts, I expect a minimum of 10% increase in criminal drug crimes worked by the Sheriff's Office. Through this simple effort, I expect to see improvements immediately in our Uniform Crime Reporting statistics across the board.
With each successive year, I hope to continue to increase this focus and enforcement tactic, by increasing the drug enforcement education opportunities for all Deputies, in all Divisions of the Sheriff's Office. Additionally, I intend to cross-train Jail Division Officers to assist and augment our Patrol and Investigation's Divisions, and through this additional manpower, anticipate a continued improvement in our reduction of crime across the board.
Realizing that nothing worth doing is generally easy, I recognize that this effort will take time, and as the only candidate able to demonstrate a long lasting commitment to implementing change and commanding that change for years to come, I feel confident that with continued focus and disciplined effort, we can continue to improve our response and proactive approach to drug crimes in Black Hawk County.
As Sheriff, I expect the public to hold me accountable for promises made and promises kept for years to come, and with this simple promise, I expect to also be able to account for slow, but dramatic, positive strides in improving the safety and security of homes, neighborhoods, communities and families in Black Hawk County.