Gerry Answers Your Questions

Q "What are your feelings about husband/wife teams working in the Sheriff's office?"

 

A It is not legal for a Supervisor to have direct supervision over a spouse or partner.  With that understanding, we are not allowed to consider a person's familial relationships during the hiring process, unless hiring that person would violate this standard as such action could constitute discrimination.

     Have questions?  Ask Gerry.

          Gerry’s email address: Gerry@GSimmons4Sheriff.com

Q "After the election, how would you treat staff at the Sheriff's Office that publicly supported the other candidate(s) for Sheriff? Will all that be in the past or will those staff members be ostracized?"

 

A To get straight to the point, no one will be ostracized or treated poorly in any way because of who they supported for Sheriff.  I think we can learn from each other, and welcome each person's input and candor.  Deputies and staff are only assessed on their performance, not their personal opinions.

Q "How do you feel about Patrol Deputies & Corrections Deputies being dual certified?  Would that lessen strain on overtime and call-out issues?  Or would it be too cost prohibitive?"

 

A As you know, a Patrol Deputy must attend and pass a 16 week academy, while a Corrections Deputy must attend and pass a 5 week academy, each academy specialized to the direction that Deputy is taking in their employment path.  Both departments, Patrol and Corrections, require focus and skill sets unique to their duties.  Both departments experience the strain of overtime.  It is more efficient to allow those Deputies who specialize in Patrol to answer Patrol issues, and Corrections to answer Corrections issues.  I am open to ideas on how to improve any system within our departments.  As someone who's participated in the Sheriff's Office, if you have thoughts or would like to clarify what you think might work, I'm happy to listen.

Q "How do you feel about having a resident deputy assigned in Vernonia?"

 

A Having a Deputy based in Vernonia would be a great asset, and would help strengthen our community involvement in Vernonia.  As you likely know, we spent a great deal of time in Vernonia and other hard-hit areas during the recent flood/slide events.  I am committed to serving all citizens of Columbia County.