Question 1) How do you plan on having the sheriff’s office handle situations involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, and what partnerships do you plan on building with mental health services?
Answer- The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office fully understands the importance of dealing with individuals who are facing or experiencing a mental health crisis. Deputies are trained to deal with a person who is experiencing a crisis or mental health problem. Meridian Behavioral Health is our provider during times such as this. We can use an MRT (Mobile Response Team) to respond to a scene or communicate through a computer to help an individual in a crisis. We are also scheduling training for the entire department to go through Crisis Intervention Training through the Florida Sheriff’s Association. We provide services to the public and have contracted a company to help with employee-related problems through our Employee Assistance Program. Mental health is real, and we are training ourselves to deal with this issue.
Question 2) If elected, what is your vision for the sheriff’s office over the next few years, and what do you feel are the key challenges and opportunities facing law enforcement today?
Answer- My vision for the office over the next few years is to continue training and educating the deputies we employ. I am committed to investing in this community by providing high-quality, well-trained employees. I am also committed to achieving accreditation for our patrol division. This will ensure that good policy and procedures are in place, and consistent, proven law enforcement tactics are implemented. The world is constantly changing; technology is leading the way. The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office strives to keep up with the changes and continue on our path with the most up-to-date, proven law enforcement tactics.
Question 3) If elected, how do you plan to involve the community in discussions about public safety and student safety at school, and what forums or programs will you offer to residents to voice their concerns?
Answer- The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office has always been community-minded and participates in countless programs educating the public about topics of concern and safety issues. Our well-defined investigations unit is usually at the forefront of trending problems (elder abuse, scamming, etc.) and conducts countless educational programs. The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office is also part of every school in the district; we run the Guardian program, DARE and other programs in the school. We help with safety security measures and collaborate with the schools on any safety concerns for day-to-day operations and after-school activities. We have always been available to have conversations, discussions, etc. We are instrumental in our schools.
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Sam St John, Republican, for Suwannee County Sheriff.