This block outlines my approach to strengthening the effectiveness and readiness of our Patrol and Detectives divisions. By focusing on collaborative partnerships, enhanced training, and strategic resource allocation, my plan prioritizes both proactive crime deterrence and rapid, coordinated response to emergencies. Emphasis is placed on life-saving measures, community engagement, and specialized units that together foster a safer environment for both citizens and deputies. The following initiatives reflect a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and the well-being of our community.
Provide deputies training, from first-aid to tactical medical, and encourage them to assist our local fire departments. Our deputies can quickly respond to the scene and begin assessing the patient for life-saving measures. Previously, when the Sheriff’s Office was partnered with Lewis County DEM, deputies were equipped with Vacu-Choke devices and AEDs (portable defibrillators); I would work to bring these lifesaving tools back. Our patrol and corrections deputies have saved multiples lives by being first on scene providing CPR, Narcan, applying tourniquets, and other first aid measures.
A shift will consist of a Sergeant and six Deputies. (No more robbing from the road for “special” units.) We will produce the needed proactive patrols that will deter criminal behavior with more boots on the ground.
East Lewis County – Morton to Packwood, provide two deputies. We currently have only one deputy who must rely on Morton PD, Washington State Patrol, or the US Forest Service for assistance. One identified safety concern for our deputies on the east end is there is a cover car only 50-60 percent of the time, which is unacceptable for our citizens.
One traffic unit will have specialized training in collision and DUI investigation; when assigned on dayshift they will assist Lewis County Public Works on their projects when needed.
K9 units – Establish a minimum of 2, one for each team; with a goal of up to 4, one for each squad.
Training is a critical component in ensuring that our deputies are prepared to respond effectively and safely to any situation they encounter. By investing in comprehensive and ongoing training, we will empower our teams with the latest skills, knowledge, and best practices needed to protect the community, save lives, and adapt to evolving threats. Consistent education fosters confidence, professionalism, and readiness, ultimately enhancing our collective ability to serve and safeguard the public.
Administrators/ Sergeants all attend SWAT Team leader training, so everyone is working from the same understanding.
Send multiple deputies to “Lone Wolf” Active Threat Response training provided by FLETC. I was able to attend this active shooter training and instructor school through Federal funding, other than the cost of travel. This training prepares the lone officer/ deputy to respond to an Active Shooter or similar situation. Instead of relying on outdated training, this will provide our deputies with current response methods.
Train several deputies on a current citizen response method, ALICE, AVIRT, or something comparable. In the past this training was provided to our schools and community businesses, allowing for a positive flow of information and resources on serious and important topics. This will also benefit our “Sheriff Mentoring Student” (SMS) program, previously known as the “Deputy Adopt a School” program.
Work with our local Fire Departments and dispatch of coordinated response to active threats and major disasters. Build the protocol for mutual response to control the scenes and get medical response into care for the injured.
The training and partnership outlined above are extremely important to me and have been since I was a detective. I sat in the office and watched the horrors unfold at Sandy Hook Elementary, and I started to think about how we could deter something like this. Knowing we did not have resources to hire and fill a School Resource Officer (SRO) Deputy for the schools, and using my tactical training, I developed the “Deputy Adopt a School” program. It was simple, but effective, to have each day shift deputy adopt one of our county schools. They were asked to dedicate 10 to 20 minutes per week at the school, with varying dates and times. It allowed the deputy to mingle with the students, creating positive interactions with our children and allowing the deputy to understand the school’s response and much-needed tactical knowledge of the school. The rotating times may seem simple, but I looked at it as a deterrent. The person wanting to harm did not know when that deputy would show up. The plan was presented to Sheriff Steve Mansfield, who agreed it was a needed program, and implemented it immediately. It has diminished some, but we continue to get out to the schools and work hand in hand with the schools and their SROs for the safety of our children.
This highly specialized unit must always be ready to respond to major incidents and handle all major forms of investigation.
Work to establish an “Inter-County” detective task force with Centralia and Chehalis. This would enable our agencies to train together and be available for all the agencies in the county during major incidents.
Create a strong protocol for handling “Missing Person” cases and work on our current list to see if there is anything we can follow up on.
Work with the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office in creating a “Cold Case” position, which reviews and works on the cases we still have on the books. This detective would be vetted for experience and then granted a limited commission.
Online reporting for minor crimes with no suspects. This will be triaged daily by the detective sergeant.
