Public Safety
Successes
My father oversaw this country’s civil defense program during the Cold War, and he raised me to believe that public safety is the most sacred obligation of government. I have elevated and supported the work of our police officers, firefighters, detention officers, and emergency management team. It’s working.
Reduced serious crime 11% in 2021 below 2020, while it was rising in the region and the country
Increased ranks of sworn officers from below 700 when we took office to almost 800
Added 50 new firefighters
Increased pay for police, firefighters and detention to match regional average
Invested in body worn cameras and new communications technology
More than doubled the number of firefighters trained as paramedics each year to meet increased demand
Created award-winning Mobile Integrated Community Health units to serve residents in their homes rather than in hospital emergency rooms
Expanded the use of Crisis Intervention Teams, pairing police with mental health counselors
Launched new re-entry programs to expand employment for formerly incarcerated residents
Created first county-level, Health Department-led interagency Gun Violence Intervention Team in the nation while our county led the state in successful Extreme Risk Protection Orders, separating violence-prone gun-owners from their firearms
Plans
In my second term we will build the Joint 911 and Emergency Management Center so that our county will be prepared for whatever challenges confront us, and our first responders will continue to grow respect in our neighborhoods by delivering outstanding service.