Solutions to county crisis offered
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Editor,
Last October, for the third time in seven years, Lake County was informed by independent auditors that its criminal justice system is in a crisis. While a need for a new jail facility exists, the need for visionary leadership from a sheriff with new ideas and solutions is equally important. My decision to run for Lake County Sheriff is based on a compelling sense of justice for victims and a need for necessary changes to reverse our crisis. I have a passion for approaching problems with specific goals. My strategic plans for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office are as follows:
– Cooperate with the police chiefs, state and tribal police and probation to address Lake County’s drug epidemic.
– Provide the commissioners with three plans for a new jail.
– Restore the voter-approved 2008 Public Safety Mill Levy
- chaplaincy, boat patrol, part-time SWAT, reserves and dive rescue.
– Make Lake County a regional public safety training location.
– Create a public safety non-profit to pay for K9s, advanced officer training and school safety training.
– Implement a law enforcement youth academy for high school students, offered in cooperation with S&K College.
– Start a volunteer program for detective follow-up, vacation house checks and administrative assistance.
More than campaign talking points, my solutions to Lake County’s “crisis” are based on over 30-plus years of exemplary law enforcement experience including: jail deputy, bailiff, patrol, field training officer, academy instructor, SWAT, detective, internal affairs investigator, jail operations commander and assistant patrol commander. I hold two college degrees (Social Science and Intelligence Studies) and I have 15 units towards a Master’s in Strategic Leadership. I am also a certified master instructor.
Education, training and experience are vital to an organization because of the unique perspective they provide to problem solving. As a meritoriously promoted U.S. Marine Corps veteran, sheriff’s academy outstanding recruit and recipient of two Bronze Stars for bravery, I lead by example. Leadership is not simply a rank or title; it is the exemplification of excellence.
I look forward to serving Lake County as its sheriff.
David Coffman
Polson
