admin
05-06-2004, 06:20 PM
This interview was copied from the Shields For Sheriff (http://www.shieldsforsheriff.com/) website.
Question: Why are you running for Newton County Sheriff?
Answer: I feel there is a need for a directional change from the current way the Newton County Sheriff's Office is being managed. Numerous citizens from both the Republican and Democrat parties throughout Newton County have commented about the need for a change. I believe that I have a different approach to Law Enforcement management than the current administration and would like the opportunity to put my ideas to work for the citizens of the county.
Question: What do you mean by "different approach"?
Answer: The current administration has fostered the perception to the citizens of Newton County that response is based on "citizen status". For example - where one resides - the current perception is that a crime being committed in certain parts of the county have a higher priority than others i.e., south Joplin vs. say Fairview." Secondly the "type or degree of the crime occurring - example - drug crimes vs. a burglary or a property crime." It is easy to see that there is a drug problem in the county as well as the whole country and these crimes cannot go unattended; however, there are other crimes occurring as well that seem to the public to be placed on the back burner and the citizenry of Newton County do not like the feeling of being made to wait for a response from law enforcement. Drug crimes tend to make the news whenever they happen, but when was the last time you remember a burglary or stolen farm implement being reported on the local news? The perception is that one crime is more important than the other. Whether a real problem or not, if the citizens perceive this as a problem then it is indeed a problem. My solution is to make every crime a priority, even if it requires having my supervisory staff answer calls for service. I too, will respond to calls for service should my deputies be busy or tied up on other calls? I will not ask my deputies to do anything that I wouldn't do myself. My commitment is to be there personally for the citizens of Newton County.
Question: It seems that you jumped ahead of the other candidates by placing signs around the county early last year - what prompted this?
Answer: A group of Newton County concerned citizens approached me with a request to see what input would return from placing the "Shields - just think about it" signs out early. We did not anticipate the number of contacts that encouraged me to run for the Sheriff's position. Ultimately, running was a decision that my family all felt was the right thing to do. I just trust that the good Lord will use my talents in a manner which I can serve the citizens of Newton County.
Question: What changes, if any, will you make within the department if elected?
Answer: Fundamentally, the current organization needs to be analyzed for accountability and cost effectiveness. Each division, patrol, investigation, jail etc., needs to be reviewed for effectiveness by the incoming Sheriff. Not to do so would render the new Sheriff incompetent. My first order of business will be to surround myself with tried and proven law enforcement supervisors and administrators. It certainly is in the best interest of the county for the newly elected Sheriff to have personnel who share his or her philosophy. As for an overall immediate change, this will only occur following a complete evaluation of the effectiveness of each division and down the line to the officers themselves. Who ever is elected cannot be effective in the position without total support from his or her staff.
Question: What are some of your goals if elected?
Answer: First, to assure the citizens of Newton County that they have a voice and that their voice will be heard. Each and every citizen will have the same level of protection and service from my officers. Secondly, response times seem to be an issue at present. My plan is to conduct a thorough assessment of past patrol activities, by looking at how long it has taken officers to arrive and what, if any, follow-up actions were initiated. By reducing response times as well as assigning more deputies to patrol the public will have a better feeling towards the Newton County Sheriffs Office. Another goal will be to evaluate how the jail is operated. There have been reoccurring problems within the jail during the past administration. As you should be well aware, jail management is the largest "thorn" for any Sheriff. This is the area where most of the lawsuits are originated. From inmates claiming violation of rights to lousy food these all prompt lawsuits towards the Sheriff and the County. I feel that one of the best ways to alleviate these lawsuits is to reduce the boredom and stress on the inmate population by introducing a program of road crews for those inmates who pose minimal risks to the public. This program could assist both the County and State Road Districts with personnel to clean ditches and patch roads within our county. It's my belief that occupied individuals that have a sense of worth are far easier to manage than those who remain idle for hours upon end. Other avenues of work could be added if this initial program proves successful. It certainly has worked in other Counties across the State.
Question: What makes you the BEST candidate of those running?
Answer: First, let me say that every candidate running has something to offer to the citizens of Newton County. My strength lies in the fact that I'm the only candidate who has filled a law enforcement position as a department head. My experience as a department head has allowed me to be the final stopping place for the decision making processes. I'll give you an example - I've not only been in on the planning stages of a budget formation, but I have had the sole responsibility for the execution of that budget. And ultimately, I have been the final accountability for the management of these budgets. It has all rested upon my shoulders. I don't believe that any of the other candidates can say that they have had this level of responsibility and/or accountability in their law enforcement careers. One must keep in mind that I'm not a career politician - I'm just a 28 year law enforcement veteran. I don't have a traditional family name with which to base my political career nor have I had any relatives to my knowledge that have held any elected offices. I run as a veteran law enforcement officer who has dedicated the majority of my adult life to the service and protection of citizens of Newton County. I have served as a field deputy for the Newton County Sheriff's office. I held a Lieutenants position with the Neosho Police Department as the Patrol Division Commander. And I have been a former Administrator for the Newton County Ambulance District. I now serve the citizens of Seneca as their Chief of Police, a position I have held for the past eight years. I wish to succeed as the next Sheriff and I look forward to the opportunity to serve the all the citizens of Newton County.
Question: Why are you running for Newton County Sheriff?
Answer: I feel there is a need for a directional change from the current way the Newton County Sheriff's Office is being managed. Numerous citizens from both the Republican and Democrat parties throughout Newton County have commented about the need for a change. I believe that I have a different approach to Law Enforcement management than the current administration and would like the opportunity to put my ideas to work for the citizens of the county.
Question: What do you mean by "different approach"?
Answer: The current administration has fostered the perception to the citizens of Newton County that response is based on "citizen status". For example - where one resides - the current perception is that a crime being committed in certain parts of the county have a higher priority than others i.e., south Joplin vs. say Fairview." Secondly the "type or degree of the crime occurring - example - drug crimes vs. a burglary or a property crime." It is easy to see that there is a drug problem in the county as well as the whole country and these crimes cannot go unattended; however, there are other crimes occurring as well that seem to the public to be placed on the back burner and the citizenry of Newton County do not like the feeling of being made to wait for a response from law enforcement. Drug crimes tend to make the news whenever they happen, but when was the last time you remember a burglary or stolen farm implement being reported on the local news? The perception is that one crime is more important than the other. Whether a real problem or not, if the citizens perceive this as a problem then it is indeed a problem. My solution is to make every crime a priority, even if it requires having my supervisory staff answer calls for service. I too, will respond to calls for service should my deputies be busy or tied up on other calls? I will not ask my deputies to do anything that I wouldn't do myself. My commitment is to be there personally for the citizens of Newton County.
Question: It seems that you jumped ahead of the other candidates by placing signs around the county early last year - what prompted this?
Answer: A group of Newton County concerned citizens approached me with a request to see what input would return from placing the "Shields - just think about it" signs out early. We did not anticipate the number of contacts that encouraged me to run for the Sheriff's position. Ultimately, running was a decision that my family all felt was the right thing to do. I just trust that the good Lord will use my talents in a manner which I can serve the citizens of Newton County.
Question: What changes, if any, will you make within the department if elected?
Answer: Fundamentally, the current organization needs to be analyzed for accountability and cost effectiveness. Each division, patrol, investigation, jail etc., needs to be reviewed for effectiveness by the incoming Sheriff. Not to do so would render the new Sheriff incompetent. My first order of business will be to surround myself with tried and proven law enforcement supervisors and administrators. It certainly is in the best interest of the county for the newly elected Sheriff to have personnel who share his or her philosophy. As for an overall immediate change, this will only occur following a complete evaluation of the effectiveness of each division and down the line to the officers themselves. Who ever is elected cannot be effective in the position without total support from his or her staff.
Question: What are some of your goals if elected?
Answer: First, to assure the citizens of Newton County that they have a voice and that their voice will be heard. Each and every citizen will have the same level of protection and service from my officers. Secondly, response times seem to be an issue at present. My plan is to conduct a thorough assessment of past patrol activities, by looking at how long it has taken officers to arrive and what, if any, follow-up actions were initiated. By reducing response times as well as assigning more deputies to patrol the public will have a better feeling towards the Newton County Sheriffs Office. Another goal will be to evaluate how the jail is operated. There have been reoccurring problems within the jail during the past administration. As you should be well aware, jail management is the largest "thorn" for any Sheriff. This is the area where most of the lawsuits are originated. From inmates claiming violation of rights to lousy food these all prompt lawsuits towards the Sheriff and the County. I feel that one of the best ways to alleviate these lawsuits is to reduce the boredom and stress on the inmate population by introducing a program of road crews for those inmates who pose minimal risks to the public. This program could assist both the County and State Road Districts with personnel to clean ditches and patch roads within our county. It's my belief that occupied individuals that have a sense of worth are far easier to manage than those who remain idle for hours upon end. Other avenues of work could be added if this initial program proves successful. It certainly has worked in other Counties across the State.
Question: What makes you the BEST candidate of those running?
Answer: First, let me say that every candidate running has something to offer to the citizens of Newton County. My strength lies in the fact that I'm the only candidate who has filled a law enforcement position as a department head. My experience as a department head has allowed me to be the final stopping place for the decision making processes. I'll give you an example - I've not only been in on the planning stages of a budget formation, but I have had the sole responsibility for the execution of that budget. And ultimately, I have been the final accountability for the management of these budgets. It has all rested upon my shoulders. I don't believe that any of the other candidates can say that they have had this level of responsibility and/or accountability in their law enforcement careers. One must keep in mind that I'm not a career politician - I'm just a 28 year law enforcement veteran. I don't have a traditional family name with which to base my political career nor have I had any relatives to my knowledge that have held any elected offices. I run as a veteran law enforcement officer who has dedicated the majority of my adult life to the service and protection of citizens of Newton County. I have served as a field deputy for the Newton County Sheriff's office. I held a Lieutenants position with the Neosho Police Department as the Patrol Division Commander. And I have been a former Administrator for the Newton County Ambulance District. I now serve the citizens of Seneca as their Chief of Police, a position I have held for the past eight years. I wish to succeed as the next Sheriff and I look forward to the opportunity to serve the all the citizens of Newton County.