The records in McHenry County indicate that, under Sheriff Nygren, most arrests were traffic-related.  While public safety on the roadways is certainly important, there are other NON-REVENUE generating areas that need serious attention. Would your focus be any broader, like drugs, gangs, senior safety, etc.? 

Once elected, I intend to form a series of Task Forces which will meet regularly and provide input to the Sheriff’s Office on a variety of law enforcement issues. It’s been so long since the people of this county felt they had any say in how the major county police agency focuses its resources, my guess is that there will be keen interest. Certainly, senior groups, communities affected by gang activity, and schools and community groups concerned about drug use will be solicited for information about ongoing crime problems as well as their views on combating them. I expect that a great deal of information will be developed in the key areas you mentioned.

what is your positon on calea?

CALEA stands for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

The Sheriff’s Office under Nygren has spent a great deal of time and money making the CALEA folks happy. Was it worth it? We shall have something to say on this topic later in the campaign, so stay tuned.

I am very concerned about the growing menace posed the the gang activity in the County.  I recently was told by another Officer that there is some kind of street gang-initiated 'hit' order directed specifically against law enforcement.  I believe several Chicago cops have been killed as a result.  This is a terrifying development, and poses an even greater threat to all our citizens.  My question is: do you have a plan that will be more effective than Sheriff Nygren's standing plan?  Thanks. And this opportunity to ask you a question is a great idea.  Good luck in November.

Thankfully McHenry County does not at present have the gang problem that Chicago has.

On the other hand, as everyone in law enforcement in northern Illinois is aware, the gang structures have over the years migrated to the suburbs, ex-urban areas and even farther.

I’m not sure what Sheriff Nygren’s standing plan is or even if there is one. But I intend to have a dedicated unit to stamp out the brushfires of gang activity that have sprung up as the gangs have mirrored their street and prison organizations in areas far from their original urban bases. How large that unit is and how it will operate will be matters of internal discussion as we go forward.

The title says it all, what will your first order of business be, if you win the election?