Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I began my law enforcement career in 1981 as an officer with the Mecklenburg County Police Department, which at the time policed the unincorporated areas of Mecklenburg County. After working as a patrol officer, detective, and polygraph, I was promoted to sergeant in 1993.

After the Mecklenburg County Police and the Charlotte Police merged in 1993, I continued to climb the ranks and progress with the new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. I led teams of patrol officers and gang detectives. I served in the Internal Affairs Section investigating officer-involved shootings and allegations of misconduct. I oversaw court preparation before being promoted to captain, major, and then to deputy chief in 2007. I served as the interim Chief of Police in 2008 as the Charlotte City Manager transitioned between police chiefs.

As deputy chief, I supervised thousands of felony investigations, oversaw a $22 million budget, and monitored homeland security and intelligence issues for the largest police department in the state. I oversaw the Investigative Services Group and its 300 employees who investigate homicide, sexual assault, robbery, auto theft, fraud, vice, and other serious crimes. I led projects developing innovative and creative solutions to domestic violence and daytime crimes committed by kids truant from school.

I coordinated support for employees after two police officers under my command were fatally shot on the job. I oversaw establishing CMPD's Gang Intelligence Unit and played a key role in developing the Gang of One, a prevention and intervention program, that has become nationally recognized and respected. I also led an effort to address gang and violence issues in North Charlotte's Hidden Valley neighborhood. That investigation resulted in lengthy prison sentences for a dozen of the gang's leaders. Through my career, I have received numerous community and service awards recognizing my work.

As sheriff, I will focus on community priorities.

Transparency: I will make the Sheriff's Office transparent to both the community and employees. I will focus on open communication and sharing information in a timely manner. Employees will have a voice in the operation of the agency and be encouraged to identify issues and develop solutions. I will establish strong collaborative partnerships by sharing information with neighborhoods to help improve neighborhood safety.

Align resources with crime problems based on community priorities.
In current economic times, law enforcement, like business is challenged to do more with less. It is imperative that the Sheriff's Office is organized in the most efficient way while aligning resources with crime trends, needs and priorities. I will focus on crime and quality of life issues important to the community. I will establish a real time crime analysis system to identify and address crime trends early. I will use innovative and creative approaches to address gangs, domestic violence, break-ins, animal control problems, and other issues important to the community. More effective use of existing resources will improve visibility in neighborhoods.

Remove politics from the operations of the sheriff's office.
Although the Sheriff serves in a political office, decisions must be based on what is best for Cabarrus County; politics cannot be a factor in decisions about issues, personnel, or the community.

Under my leadership, no employee of the Sheriff's Office will be asked to work on my campaign or contribute to it financially. And, once I am elected, there will be no politically-based firings or demotions. Hiring, job assignments, and promotions will be based upon merit and a competitive process with community input. Disciplinary issues will be handled fairly. All employees will be allowed to exercise their first amendment right to free speech without any fear of any consequences.