1. Philosophy of Power

How do you define the limits of the Sheriff's authority, and how will you ensure your department remains accountable to the community?

The Office of Sheriff is a constitutional office and represents the highest-ranking law enforcement authority in the county. The Sheriff's responsibility is not only to protect public safety, but also to safeguard the constitutional rights and civil liberties of every person.
 

With this authority comes an equally important responsibility: accountability. The public deserves a Sheriff's Office that is transparent, professional, and committed to the rule of law.
 

If misconduct occurs, I will ensure that it is addressed promptly, fairly, and transparently in accordance with the law, state statutes, collective bargaining agreements where applicable, and department policy. Every allegation will be taken seriously, investigated objectively, and resolved through due process.
 

No one is above the law—including the Sheriff and the deputies entrusted with serving our community.

 

2. Transparency & Oversight

How will you prioritize independent civilian oversight, ensure full disclosure of use-of-force data, and maintain clear, accessible public records, including around your department's use of surveillance technology?
 

For law enforcement to be effective and successful, we must earn and maintain the trust of the public. One of the most important ways to build that trust is through transparency.
 

As Sheriff, I would be open to the idea of civilian oversight to help ensure that proper policies, procedures, and accountability are followed during any use-of-force incident. At the same time, I would need to carefully review the legal parameters, state law, and applicable union contracts to determine what form of oversight can be implemented effectively and lawfully.
 

Regarding Flock cameras and other surveillance technologies, most law enforcement agencies already have policies in place that are guided by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. These technologies are intended to be used only for legitimate law enforcement purposes. However, I also understand and respect the public's concerns about privacy.
 

If elected, I would work with the County Commissioners, City Council members, community stakeholders, and legal counsel to develop policies or ordinances that balance public safety with the privacy rights and civil liberties of every person. My goal is to ensure that any technology we use is transparent, accountable, and consistent with the Constitution and the law.

 

3. Protest & First Amendment Rights

What is your approach to policing lawful protests and demonstrations? How do you distinguish between maintaining public safety and the risk of treating peaceful assembly as a security threat?
 

The First Amendment is the foundation of the Bill of Rights. It was ratified to protect our freedoms of speech, religion, the press, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government. As Sheriff, my job is not only to protect public safety but also to preserve the constitutional rights of every person.
 

The right to peacefully protest is a constitutional right that I will defend and protect. I will work and coordinate with community groups, event organizers, and public safety partners to develop plans that allow people to exercise their First Amendment rights in a safe and secure environment.
 

In fact, I want to make this promise: if elected, I will take the time to participate in a peaceful protest. By doing so, I hope to send a clear message that protecting our constitutional rights is fundamental to who we are as a nation and to the oath I will take as Sheriff.

 

4. Justice Reform & Pretrial Processes

Do you support cite-and-release policies for low-level offenses, and how, if at all, will you work with the courts on alternatives to cash bail?
 

The word penitentiary is derived from the concept of penitence—the belief that people who violated the law should have an opportunity to reflect, take responsibility for their actions, and rehabilitate themselves before returning to society. Over time, our correctional system has shifted away from that philosophy. Today, too many policies create incentives for incarceration rather than rehabilitation, and the growth of the prison-industrial complex has raised legitimate concerns about the role of profit in the criminal justice system.
 

As Sheriff, I will ensure that the Washington County Jail is operated to promote public safety, accountability, and rehabilitation—not to maximize incarceration or generate revenue. Jail should be reserved for individuals who pose a genuine threat to public safety. For many nonviolent offenses, I support cite-and-release policies.
 

I also believe that justice should not depend on a person's ability to pay. Too often, individuals charged with the same offense receive different outcomes simply because one can afford bail while the other cannot. A person's financial status should not determine whether they remain in jail
 

As Sheriff, I will work with the courts and other justice partners to promote fair and evidence-based pretrial practices, including the use of unsecured bonds, supervised release, electronic monitoring, and release on personal recognizance.

 

5. ICE Cooperation & Detainers

Would you support Washington County entering into a 287(g) agreement with ICE?
☐ Support
☒ Oppose
☐ Support with conditions
☐ Undecided

 

Would your department honor ICE detainer requests?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☒ Only when accompanied by a judicial warrant
☐ Undecided

 

Please explain your position on both, including where you draw the line on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
 

It is impossible to operate a Sheriff's Office without entering into some form of agreement with the federal government. Whether it involves extraditions, multi-jurisdictional criminal investigations, disaster response following a catastrophic natural event, or receiving federal grants, cooperation between local and federal agencies is an essential part of modern law enforcement. Many of these agreements also require agencies to meet established training standards and comply with federal civil rights laws.
 

Any candidate who claims they will never enter into any agreement with the federal government is oversimplifying how law enforcement works. The real question is not whether agreements should exist, but which agreements serve the public interest while protecting constitutional rights and maintaining local accountability.
 

I am the only candidate who has clearly explained the types of agreements I would support. I will work with federal agencies when doing so enhances public safety, secures resources for our community, and respects the rule of law. At the same time, I will reject any agreement that undermines constitutional protections, civil rights, or the trust between the Sheriff's Office and the community we serve.
 

The Washington County Sheriff's Office currently has significant opportunities to improve in areas such as accountability, the handling of misconduct complaints, reducing racial disparities, and strengthening public trust. Achieving these goals will require leadership, training, and investment. As Sheriff, I will actively pursue available federal grants and other funding opportunities to support professional development, improve policies and training, expand mental health and crisis response programs, and ensure compliance with federal civil rights standards.
 

Accepting federal funding often requires entering into agreements with the federal government. I believe those agreements should be transparent, narrowly tailored to legitimate public safety needs, and consistent with our constitutional values. My commitment is simple: I will work with any level of government when it benefits Washington County and protects the rights of the people we are sworn to serve.
 

My remarks on the 287(g) program are simple and straightforward. The two primary models: the Task Force Model and the Jail Enforcement Model. 

 

The Task Force Model allows local law enforcement to assist with immigration enforcement in the community. I oppose this model. In my view, immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and local law enforcement should not be used to carry out broad immigration operations. My focus is on serving and protecting our local communities, not conducting federal immigration enforcement.

 

The Jail Enforcement Model is different. It applies only to individuals who are already in local custody after being arrested for a local criminal offense. I believe this model can be used as a public safety tool and protect our national security interest. The last thing I want is for someone to be released back into our community without confirming whether they are wanted for a serious criminal offense or are the subject of a valid judicial warrant. This process is intended to help protect our community and support public safety while respecting the legal process. 

 

With that said, I am very aware that the 287(g) program is a serious concern for many people in Minnesota. I respect the opinions and concerns of everyone who has reached out asking me to clarify my comments.
 

My remarks about the 287(g) program during the LWV forum were made from a national security perspective. They were not intended as support for local municipal immigration enforcement.
 

During several deployments with the U.S. Navy, I saw firsthand how partnerships with federal agencies and international organizations such as INTERPOL helped combat major crimes, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, international arms trafficking, and other national security threats. Those experiences were the context for my comments about the 287(g) program.
 

As an immigrant myself, I hope people will have the faith and trust to know that I would never participate in or support operations that target people simply because of their immigration status or how they look. Not on my watch.
 

My comment about the 287(g) program was intended only as a discussion of national security cooperation—not as a proposal for local immigration enforcement. To be clear, I do not have any plans or policy agenda to enter into a 287(g) agreement with ICE.

 

6. Mental Health & Crisis Response

What is your philosophy on the Sheriff's role in responding to mental health crises? What specific models, such as Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training or co-responder clinician teams, would you implement, expand, or fund to ensure these calls are handled with a public health approach rather than a purely criminal-justice lens?
 

Mental health affects nearly every family and community. Many people experience mental health challenges at some point in their lives, and with the right support, treatment, and coping strategies, they are able to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Because of this, I believe mental health should be treated as a medical condition—not simply as a criminal justice issue.
 

I also believe that public health is a public safety issue. That is why I have long advocated for a universal healthcare plan that will increase funding for mental health services, substance use treatment, and recovery programs for individuals in our communities, including those in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and other supportive environments.
 

As Sheriff, I will ask the County Commissioners to fund on-duty mental health clinicians to work alongside our patrol deputies. These clinicians would respond to calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, helping to ensure that people receive the care and resources they need while allowing deputies to focus on maintaining public safety. I will also pursue available state and federal grants to support and expand this program, ensuring it is both effective and sustainable.
 

A mental health crisis should be addressed first as a medical emergency whenever appropriate. As Sheriff, my goal will be to connect individuals experiencing a mental health crisis with treatment and support whenever the law and public safety allow, rather than defaulting to incarceration. By combining compassionate care with responsible law enforcement, we can improve outcomes for individuals, strengthen public safety, and reduce unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system.

 

7. Internal Culture & Accountability

How will you mandate de-escalation training beyond current state minimums, and how will you ensure your department fully implements Minnesota POST Board standards on bias-free policing and officer conduct? What is your plan for an early-intervention system to flag and address deputies with repeated complaints or use-of-force incidents?
 

One of the first actions I will take if elected is to implement a policy requiring every deputy to complete annual sustainment training. This training will ensure deputies maintain the knowledge, skills, and professionalism necessary to serve our community effectively. Topics will include implicit bias, professional ethics and police misconduct, de-escalation techniques, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, physical fitness, first aid, legal updates, and other practical skills essential to maintaining operational readiness.
 

Another policy I will implement is the Career Development Board (CDB). Under this policy, I will meet individually with every deputy at least once each year. These sessions will provide an opportunity to discuss job performance, training needs, career goals, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement. The CDB will also serve as an early intervention system by identifying patterns of repeated citizen complaints, excessive use-of-force incidents, or other performance concerns. This proactive approach will allow leadership to provide coaching, training, or other appropriate support before issues escalate, while also recognizing deputies who demonstrate exemplary performance and leadership.

 

8. Priorities & Vision

What are the three most important items you want voters to understand about your candidacy and your vision for our community?
 

Key priorities once I get elected include:
 

• Implement a maximum public safety initiative — not only to protect lives but also to foster trust and economic growth. We will compile a threat level assessment and establish mitigation protocols to protect our schools, judiciary, executive offices, shopping areas, entertainment venues, and religious institutions.
   

• Protect our Constitutional Rights — As Sheriff, I will ensure that the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses apply to everyone. I say again: EVERYONE. The 14th Amendment is probably the most consequential amendment in our Constitution. Hence, it is fundamental for our existence.
   

• Force Generation — We will marshal the best resources to meet the county's demands, including recruitment, retention, sustainment training, logistics, and operational readiness. This model emphasizes hiring people based on their character and then training them to perform their roles with integrity, courage, and respect for the universal principles of human rights.