Organizers 'impressed' by forum attendees: Sheriff
Organizers ‘impressed’ by forum attendees: Sheriff
MOSES LAKE - The candidates for Grant County Sheriff discussed
the budget, accreditation and plans for the position.
Sheriff Frank DeTrolio spoke about the budget issues the
department has, pointing out the department's budget has only risen
about $15,000 during the past few years.
MOSES LAKE - The candidates for Grant County Sheriff discussed the budget, accreditation and plans for the position.
Sheriff Frank DeTrolio spoke about the budget issues the department has, pointing out the department's budget has only risen about $15,000 during the past few years.
"The thing that's been the most devastating for us is our budget," he said. "Right now, we should have 32 road deputies. We have 27."
The 27 deputies need to cover the entire county, DeTrolio said, adding the task is almost impossible.
"It sure hasn't helped us with that reduced number of deputies to work gangs and drugs," he said.
The office has been constantly seeking grants, DeTrolio said, adding the office has been surviving on grants.
"Our marine patrol, our (Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team) unit, our (off-road vehicle), our deputy that monitors all the registered sex-offenders, those are partially or are all funded by grants," he said. "My biggest fear is if those grants go away, we're going to lose a lot more people."
Candidate Tom Jones said he wants to bring accountability back to the office through strong leadership. He wants the office to be accredited by the Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police Chiefs.
"What this does is provide accountability and consistency to our agencies," he said. "I'll hold employees accountable while empowering them to be successful."
He also said he wants to develop a plan to make the office proactive on issues such as gangs.
Jones said he wants to improve communication between the sheriff's position, the staff and the community.
"I will establish continuous dialogue with our citizens and make sure their concerns are heard," he said. "I will not only be accessible to the public, but be a committed listener."
The residents and employees will receive direct communication from a strong leader, he said, adding he plans to lead from the front.
Candidates were asked what they planned to do about gangs in the county.
DeTrolio touted a recent agreement allowing four deputies to become deputy U.S. Marshals, saying they have participated in two gang-related sweeps.
Jones said the agreement with the marshal's office is good, but there needs to be a long-term plan in place about how the office plans to deal with gangs.
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