Brandon Cummings

Independent candidate

What is your assessment of crime in Prince Edward and how do you plan to address it?

From what I have seen [the] Prince Edward/ Farmville area has the same crime as anywhere else in Virginia, however on a much smaller scale than a city. During my time with the Richmond City Police Department I found that the sector policing model was very effective in fighting crime. This model would divide our county into sections or “beats” for a deputy to be assigned to. This would be his/her primary patrol area. I believe that this model can enhance the coverage in the county while simultaneously creating a noticeably higher deputy presence in every district of Prince Edward.

How do you plan on strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community?

I would like to incorporate a police strategy known as community policing. This strategy is very effective in building ties between local law enforcement and its citizens. To implement this I would like to create organizational strategies with the help of partnerships including other law enforcement agencies, as well as local businesses and citizens. These strategies combined with more proactive patrol techniques will build a positive relationship between the Prince Edward Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of the county.

What changes would you make in the sheriff’s department if elected?

To start, I would like to bring the technology of the sheriff’s office up to date, such as purchasing MDTs (laptops) with GPS mapping systems for patrol cars, body

cameras as well as in-car cameras. I can make these changes possible by filing applications for grants offered specifically to law enforcement by the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2013, the sheriff’s office failed to request those grants causing our department to miss out on a portion of a $33 million grant that our neighboring counties applied for and received. 

What is the biggest challenge facing the sheriff’s department? How do you plan to address it?

The sheriff’s office is in need for new leadership with the ability to see the world as it is today. With the rise in violent crime, mass shootings and terrorism it is time for our sheriff’s office to start training and equipping our deputies to handle any and every situation. I believe that my military training, my time as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer in the U.S.Coast Guard, my time as a Richmond City Police Officer and my time as a Prince Edward Deputy gives me the real-world experience to lead the department into 21st century policing.

Dale Vaughan — Independent candidate

1. What is your assessment of crime in Prince Edward and how do you plan to address it?

Crime is on the rise and we need to be more proactive than reactive. People’s homes are being broken into and they are losing things that they have worked for only to have them taken. So let’s increase patrols to deter these acts because they know there’s no police presence. And let’s do more in-depth investigations where we follow up with the victims if these crimes to increase the chances of solving them. If we have a 61 percent reduction in crime there should only be traffic offenses to handle and not these breaking and entering cases.

2. How do you plan on strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community?

Through active community policing where we actually listen to the people and hear their input on these matters that affect them. I want them to feel important as individuals who live and make up this community.    

3. What changes would you make in the sheriff’s department if elected?

I would change the work schedule so everyone has a real weekend off and this will also increase the number of deputies on the road for better coverage in the county. Also I’d create an environment for them which they can work in and not have fear of losing their jobs under intimidation or threats.

4. What is the biggest challenge facing the sheriff’s department? How do you plan to address it?

The biggest challenge would be to regain the public’s trust.  I plan to have monthly meetings just to inform the public of progress and receive input from them as to how they view the current situations and how they are handled. Give them a chance to participate as a community. Also to create the same with all law enforcement in the county as well as fire and rescue and state parks.

Democratic candidate Wesley Reed didn’t respond.