WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
I am Marshand K. Crisler.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
As a lifelong resident of Jackson, Hinds County, I’m seeking this office because I believe the sheriff’s department is currently in a state of disarray and utter dysfunction. Under the current administration, there has been a 200% increase in violent crime in Jackson/Hinds County, numerous escapes from the Raymond Detention Center, and nearly 40% turnover in staffing at the sheriff’s department. To date, both the current sheriff and I have been successful in implementing unprecedented pay raises for our employees, yet none of them has resulted in retaining and effectively recruiting new officers under his watch. Again, this isdue to a leadership void in the department. I have more experience in law enforcement, corrections, and administration than my opponent; with more than 20 years in the military police corps, and over 25 years of experience in the civilian police arena. I also have an educational background, with two degrees in Criminal Justice, and a graduate degree in Public Policy and Administration, which complement my occupational resume, and makes me better prepared to lead the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department. There is an obvious need for new policies and procedures to address the numerous security breaches at the detention center, and a need for new crime fighting plans to reduce violent offenses throughout the county. I believe I’m keenly aware of the needs of the department based on my experience, and I have a comprehensive plan to address those needs. So, on August 8th, please vote for Marshand Crisler, Sheriff of Hinds County. Thank you!
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
A few of the greatest obstacles to economic development in the county are lack of leadership, and manpower, which are inherently connected. Essentially, if you do not have strong, competent leadership, there won’t be any followers. No one will entrust their careers and lives to a system that has a lack of sound leadership. And moreover, it’s difficult to address the many challenges in the department without sufficient manpower.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
One of the first things I plan to do in my first 90 days is conduct an organizational assessment and a forensic audit of the department’s budget, to determine whether the financial solvency of the department is in order. We plan to implement an organizational restructuring plan as well. By making sure monetary resources are being spent in a responsible manner, with proper oversight and accounting, I believe we can purchase the resources and tools necessary to effectively manage the existing jail, and fight crime with 21st century technology in an effort to reduce criminal activity throughout the entire county.
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WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
My name is Tyree Jones, a candidate forre-election.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
I have dedicated my 23 year career in law enforcement to servingand protecting the citizens of Hinds County. Throughout my uninterruptedservice as a law enforcement professional, I started a family here, andbought homes here in Hinds County. I am personally invested in theforward progression of the place I love and call home.
When I started my career with the Jackson Police Department andeventually the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, I took an oath that I stand byand have worked tirelessly to uphold. I worked my way up through theranks, learning the field of law enforcement from various positions, anddepartments becoming well rounded. I am seeking re-election to the office ofHinds County Sheriff as a seasoned and experienced lawman and nowSheriff. I am in tune with current evolving, innovative law enforcement anddetention methods, and I bring to this office a wealth of knowledge andexpertise to fulfill the obligations and responsibilities needed to ensure thesafety of Hinds County citizens.
I am a faithful servant of this county and the communities included init. I’ve only wanted to serve and I’ve shown that through dedication,leadership, and commitment. No political agendas, no political ties or favors,and no other political offices have ever intrigued me or my interest. Ibelieve in staying committed to what you’re passionate about and have anskillset for.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
I believe one of the greatest obstacles to economic and communitydevelopment in Hinds County has been the lack of investment into publicsafety and ineffective communication across all levels of government toaddress public safety from a holistic approach, to include funding,community policing, resource sharing, and open communication fromagencies, political offices, and all stakeholders to include citizens.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
As a law enforcement professional and leader, it is very important tome that I have open communication with all stakeholders and partners toensure citizens that we are working to make sure Jackson is open forbusiness and development and that our constituents are safe to live, work,and play here. Providing a first class law enforcement agency reassuresthe public that we want businesses to stay and businesses to come toJackson.
Since being elected, I have been aggressively addressing theseissues to provide more resources for Jackson and Hinds County. I haveprioritized bringing together stakeholders from across the county, and state,and from every facet of life to involve them in community discussion thatcenter expanding the tax base which is the foundation for economic andcommunity development.
I have a five point plan that I developed prior to being elected intooffice: 1.) Recruitment and Retention; 2.) Increased Visibility; 3.) CommunityPolicing; 4.) Detention Services; and 5.) Partnership. Not only have weaddressed each tenant of our Five Point Plan of Action but we’veimplemented several key components and we are seeing great successthroughout the HCSO because of these implementations. During my 18month tenures as Sheriff, we have implemented a body camera policy andwe have equipped our deputies with body cameras. Operations andEnforcement Deputies have received a substantial pay raise from a startingsalary of $29K yearly to a starting pay of $40K yearly. Detention Officersalso received a pay increase and are in line to receive another one. I wasable to secure $1M of ARPA funds to address the aging fleet of vehicles forthe HCSO, to upgrade technology (body cameras) and we committed$100K to Jackson State University School of Liberal Arts for a paidinternship program for Criminal Justice majors. We have also re-introducedprogramming back into our detention services, giving detainees anopportunity to study and obtain their GED while they are in our facilities. Ihave connected with many communities throughout Hinds County andshared my successes with them while also addressing some of thechallenges we face. I have forged the brokenness between leadership andthe community by not politicizing crime issues but rather coming up withsolutions to work collectively to address them. Lastly, I’ve been able to assign HCSO deputies to various Federal Task Forces in the City ofJackson to have those relationships and have liaisons between theagencies in efforts to share resources and information. Under myleadership, the HCSO recently received a first time State of MS LawEnforcement Accreditation from the board of accreditation. HCSO joinedonly 5 other Sheriff’s Offices in the state of MS to receive this distinguishedcertification.
These actions are helping to transform not only the HCSO but HindsCounty into a place where citizens feel good about making sustainableinvestments that lead to community and economic stability. As Sheriff, I amproud to play a part in the building of Hinds County into a place we are allproud to call home.
