Douglas R. Roberts on the Issues

It is the duty of the Sheriff of Lake County to assure that our citizens feel safe and that people convicted of crimes are punished.  I have been involved in the criminal justice system for almost 30 years and have observed the Sheriff's Department operation closely.  I have come to believe that there are many ways to improve outcomes while reducing costs for taxpayers.

Here are the issues I consider the most important for the Sheriff's office:

1.  Safe Communities.  I will make sure that deputies and other employees have the resources they need to protect Lake County residents.  That means increasing the morale and restoring the pride of Lake County's largest law enforcement agency.  I also want to concentrate on combatting gangs and drugs that cause so much of our crime.

2.  Value for Taxpayer Dollars.  The Sheriff's office currently spends more money than any department of Lake County government, $56 million per year.  It's a budget that has increased substantially in the last eight years.  Especially in these difficult economic times, taxpayers in Lake County should be getting their money's worth.  I will look to find any and all administrative cost savings so that we can maintain as many qualified officers as possible out on the streets where they belong.

3.  Quick Response.  I want to increase Sheriff's patrols so that everyone in Lake County is within minutes of a first responder.  Minutes can make a difference between life and death in dangerous situations.  No one should have to wonder whether the Sheriff's office will be able to respond to their needs in time.

4.  Reduce Domestic Violence.  The Sheriff's office should work more closely with the courts to make sure that women and children can feel confident court orders will be enforced.  Court decrees are fairly meaningless unless someone take responsibility to make sure they are effective.

 Do you have concerns about the Sheriff's office or questions I can answer?  Please send your phone number to me at doug@robertsforlake.com and I'll call you right away to discuss your concerns.