What You Can Expect
These priorities are shaped by real-world law enforcement experience — focused on service, professionalism, and practical improvements that residents can feel in day-to-day safety.
Professional Service
A Sheriff’s Office that treats people with respect, communicates clearly, and takes every call seriously — whether it’s a major case or a routine complaint.
Consistency
Clear expectations, reliable supervision, and standards that don’t change based on who you are or who you know.
Leadership You Can Trust
Leadership means being present, steady, and accountable — supporting deputies in the field while holding the organization to a high professional bar.
The Sheriff’s Office Touches Every Part of Public Safety
The job is bigger than patrol. It includes the jail, warrants and service, investigations, court-related responsibilities, and the day-to-day operations that keep public safety running.
Patrol & Response
Consistent, professional response across the county — with training and supervision that supports good decisions.
Jail & Corrections
Safe, professional detention operations with standards that protect staff, inmates, and the public.
Investigations & Follow-Up
Strong case work, proper documentation, and coordination with partners so cases move forward the right way.
Core Priorities
Each priority has one purpose: a safer Rhea County and a Sheriff’s Office that operates with professionalism, accountability, and community trust.
Professional Leadership
Lead from the front and set clear expectations across every division of the Sheriff’s Office. Build a command structure grounded in operational experience so decisions are practical and informed.
What it means: consistent leadership, better coordination, and an office that runs as one team.
Accountability & Transparency
Maintain consistent standards, clear communication, and professional conduct. Accountability is not punishment — it’s the foundation for trust and good policing.
What it means: the public gets answers, employees have clarity, and problems get addressed early.
Strong Patrol Operations
Focus resources and attention on the calls that impact families and neighborhoods the most. Support deputies with training, supervision, and clear guidance in the field.
What it means: more consistent service and safer responses across the county.
Balanced Enforcement
Treat people with respect until the situation demands otherwise. Apply lawful enforcement with sound judgment — tailored to the facts of each call.
What it means: fair enforcement that stays focused on real threats to public safety.
Crisis & Mental Health Response
Strengthen CIT-informed response methods and improve partnerships with mental health providers to reduce harm and improve outcomes during crisis calls.
What it means: safer crisis calls for families, officers, and people in distress.
Continuous Improvement
A Sheriff’s Office that improves every day — through training, leadership development, and a culture that takes pride in doing the job correctly.
What it means: fewer preventable mistakes, stronger performance, and better service over time.
Practical Priorities That Affect Real Life
Voters don’t want slogans — they want a Sheriff’s Office that runs well, responds professionally, and earns trust through consistent actions.
Training & Field Support
Better training, clear guidance, and strong supervision so deputies are prepared for high-pressure calls and complex decisions.
Why it matters: better decisions in the moment lead to safer outcomes for everyone.
Case Quality & Follow-Through
Strong documentation, proper reporting, and consistent follow-up so cases are handled professionally and move forward the way they should.
Why it matters: victims deserve professionalism, and good work supports accountability.
Professional Standards
Standards that apply to everyone — including leadership — with clarity about conduct, service, and expectations.
Why it matters: consistency builds trust inside the agency and out in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to common questions voters have about the Sheriff’s Office and what leadership should look like.
What will change first?
Clear expectations, consistent leadership, and professional standards. A strong agency starts with structure: communication, accountability, and support for deputies doing the job every day.
How will you build public trust?
Trust comes from consistent service: respectful interactions, clear communication, and accountability. People should feel that the Sheriff’s Office treats everyone fairly and takes concerns seriously.
What about mental health and crisis calls?
Crisis calls require preparation and partnerships. Strengthening CIT-informed response and working with providers helps reduce harm and improves outcomes for families, officers, and people in distress.
How will you support deputies and staff?
Strong supervision, training, and clear direction. Deputies do their best work when leadership is present, expectations are clear, and the organization backs professional decision-making.
How will you work with other agencies?
Public safety works best through coordination. Good communication and professional relationships with local, state, and federal partners help cases move forward and keep communities safer.
What’s the focus on “accountability”?
Accountability protects the public and the deputies serving the public. It means clear standards, consistent supervision, and addressing issues early — so professionalism stays the norm, not the exception.
Have a question that isn’t listed?
Reach out directly — the campaign welcomes questions and community feedback.
Stand with Josh
Request a yard sign or reach out with questions and concerns.