As your Sheriff, I will use my 28 years of Law Enforcement experience to guide our expanded force in using proactive policing methods with the goal to reduce crime in Columbia County. Knowledge and experience are paramount to a successful department. I will have 24-hour patrol coverage, increase deputy presence within the schools, and fill the role within the Multi-Agency Drug Task Force, already funded for Columbia County, all to promote a safer environment for our community.

I will bring proactive policing to the Sheriff’s Office which has been used in departments nationwide for decades. By being proactive and using the data that is already collected, we can better predict when and where the crimes will occur thereby focusing patrols in those high-risk areas. These focused patrols are proven to reduce crimes and save officer time, which leads to saving tax payer money.

I will guarantee that all members of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office will stay current on ALL trainings and certification: First Aid/CPR, BAC, Firearms, EVOC, Taser, OC, Mental Health CIT, and 24 hours Annual In-Service Trainings. Most of these are required for a deputy to maintain valid certification as a peace officer in Washington State. Compliance in all trainings not only reduces the risk and liability to Columbia County, but also ensures the deputy is capable of handling any situation.

Communication and cooperation among local and regional agencies are a priority to facilitating best practices to reduce mental health, drug, and any other issues occurring in our community. I will hold regular forums to ensure citizens of Columbia County are heard and informed of plans and progress within the department. I will always have an open-door policy allowing the public one-on-one time with myself or my deputies.

I will take control of the Sheriff’s Office budget with thorough oversight. The overtime budget needs to be addressed to ensure that shifts are filled with available personnel before offering shifts to a deputy for overtime. I will reduce spending by analyzing the needs of the department and purchasing only necessary equipment that is compatible with systems that are already in place. The budget is tax payer money and should be spent with care.

As a father, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer in many adolescent programs from Little League to swim team to 4-H. I’ve witnessed the positive impact kids receive from these programs and their interactions with dedicated adults. A community encompasses all ages and walks of life and I will do my best to see that everyone’s concerns are addressed.

I believe with good leadership and transparency in actions, I will build trust with the community and make Columbia County Sheriff’s Office a better department.

-Submitted by Jeff Jenkins.