Tom Jones seeks to continue as the Grant County Sheriff

MOSES LAKE - Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones is seeking election to a second term. He believes he has proven himself.

Jones, of Moses Lake, believes he has done good job for the citizens of Grant County. He believes that, throughout his first term, he made sure the sheriff's office was meeting the commitments he promised during his first campaign.

"In 2010, I sought and won election as sheriff based on a list of principles for improving qualities of the sheriff's office," Jones said. "That list includes providing accountability, improving communication with the public, deliver consistency in leadership, and to proactively serve the needs of the residents of Grant County. I have looked at that list of principles almost every day for the last three-and-a-half years, and I have used it as a benchmark for our performance."

Jones said statistics show his department has had a major impact on crime, gangs and drugs. He said deputies have applied enhanced methods to fighting crime and utilized the sheriff's office staff to fill roles which complement their strengths."

Metal theft has been a high priority during Jones's first term. A program was implemented to crack down on metal and copper wire theft.

That program includes the cooperation of local metal recyclers to recognize and report suspected stolen metal when suspected thieves try to sell it at their businesses. That program also includes aggressive investigations which have led to the recovery of hundreds of pieces of stolen property.

Jones created a Gang Unit to combat gang violence across the county. Since deploying the Gang Unit in the Larson Housing Area, there has not been one major gang-related assault or homicide.

Jones has held town hall meetings in communities across the county each year of his first term.

"The input from citizens and the opportunity to solve problems together has been the highlight of being the sheriff," he said.

Jones grew up in Soap Lake, graduated from Soap Lake High School, served in the U.S. Navy during Operation Desert Storm, and has more than 20 years of service as a law enforcement officer. He has been married for nearly 20 years and has raised two daughters.

Despite the administrative nature of his job, Jones has maintained a balance between desk work and getting out in his patrol car.

"I always will enjoy being on the front line of fighting crime, and there is no better way than to answer radio calls," he said.

Citizens may contact Jones at tomjones4sheriff@gmail.com.