1. Where do you stand on Flock cameras?

I have been clear about my position on Flock. I will not renew the Flock contract.

I believe law enforcement technology has to be balanced with public trust. If a policy, procedure, or technology erodes that trust, I will not support it.

We can use technology to help keep Carson City safe while still respecting the privacy and trust of the people we serve.

2. Why are you running for Sheriff?

I’m running because I believe it is time for a new chapter at the Carson City Sheriff’s Office.

I have spent 24 years serving this community in many different roles. I’ve worked patrol, investigations, SWAT, training, behavioral health, and served 12 years as the Deputies’ Association President.

I believe that experience has prepared me to lead the Sheriff’s Office, and I’m ready to take that responsibility.

3. What does “New Energy” mean?

New Energy means being willing to look at the way we do things and ask whether there is a better way.

It means being present, listening to our deputies and our community, improving recruitment and retention, increasing transparency, and getting our deputies back out in the community.

It doesn’t mean changing things just for the sake of change. It means building on what works and fixing what doesn’t.

4. What will you do about recruitment and retention?

Recruitment and retention will be one of my top priorities.

You cannot have a strong Sheriff’s Office without good people, and you cannot expect people to stay if they don’t feel valued, supported, and respected.

I want to improve morale, listen to our deputies, look at how we are managing workloads, and make sure Carson City is doing everything it reasonably can to recruit and retain quality law enforcement professionals.

Taking care of our people is directly connected to taking care of our community.

5. Will you end the workload indicator or quota system?

Yes. I will end the quota-based approach to measuring deputies.

I don’t believe the number of reports, arrests, citations, or other numerical activity should be used as the primary measure of whether a deputy is doing a good job.

Our deputies should be focused on serving the community, preventing crime, solving problems, and exercising good judgment.

6. What will you do to improve transparency?

I want the Sheriff’s Office to have a strong, professional public information function and a commitment to keeping the community informed.

When something happens that affects public trust, people deserve timely and accurate information.

Transparency isn’t about releasing information that shouldn’t be released. It’s about communicating with the public when we can and being accountable when things don’t go as planned.

7. What is your approach to addiction and behavioral health?

I believe we can be firm on crime while still being compassionate toward people struggling with addiction or behavioral health issues.

Law enforcement has a responsibility to enforce the law and protect victims. At the same time, arresting our way out of addiction isn’t going to solve the underlying problem.

My experience helping develop behavioral health programs has shown me that law enforcement and behavioral health resources can work together.

We can enforce the law and still treat people with dignity.

8. What will you do to strengthen relationships with Carson City youth?

I want our deputies to be visible in our neighborhoods and interacting with young people before they ever have a reason to interact with them as law enforcement.

I want to expand opportunities for deputies to coach youth sports, visit schools, attend community events, and simply stop and introduce themselves when they see kids playing outside.

Those small interactions can build relationships that last for years.

9. What is your plan for community policing?

For me, community policing starts with putting deputies back into the community.

That means more visibility in neighborhoods, more interaction with residents and businesses, and giving deputies opportunities to get out of their vehicles and build relationships.

I’m also interested in expanding online reporting for appropriate, insurance-driven reports.

If a report doesn’t require a deputy to spend time sitting in an office taking a routine report, let’s find a better way to handle it and put that deputy back where the community needs them.

10. Why did you choose Robbie Burgess as your Undersheriff?

I chose Robbie because of his leadership experience and the perspective he brings to the Sheriff’s Office.

Robbie has more than 40 years of leadership experience spanning military service, law enforcement, private industry, and state government.

I believe the Sheriff’s Office will benefit from having a leadership team with different experiences and perspectives.

I don’t need an Undersheriff who simply agrees with me. I need someone who will help lead, challenge ideas when necessary, and make the organization better.

11. What makes you qualified to be Sheriff?

I bring 24 years of Carson City law enforcement experience to the position.

I've served as a Field Training Officer, SWAT team leader, narcotics investigator, and program developer. I helped develop the SET Team, the Behavioral Health Peace Officer Program, and I served 12 years as the Deputies’ Association President.

That leadership experience gave me firsthand experience with negotiations, policy development, recruitment and retention, morale, and the challenges facing both employees and management.

I’m not stepping into this role to learn the job. I’m bringing years of experience to it.

12. What does your campaign mean by “A New Generation of Leadership”?

It doesn’t mean forgetting the past. It means taking the experience we’ve gained, learning from it, and being willing to move forward.

I believe Carson City deserves leadership that is present, accountable, transparent, and willing to listen.

That’s the kind of Sheriff’s Office I want to lead.