1. What experience do you have that will help contribute to running a jail?

What will be your

approach to jail management?
As former Chief Deputy of the Barry County Sheriffs Department, I have experience in the
operations and management of the jail and staff, so I am familiar with the responsibilities and
requirements. I further assisted in establishing the computer network and administrated updates of
software used to book in inmates.
As for my management approach for the jail; if it isnt broken, dont fix it. Policies and procedures
will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the law, especially those laws changing on January 01,
2017, and the current jail staff will be evaluated on job performance and efficiency, the same as all
other employees. Our current jail staff has done a great job of ensuring the overall safety of the
inmates and staff, and ensuring that rules are being followed to reduce the risk of lawsuits. The jail
can be one of the biggest liabilities facing the county, so a well-trained and reliable staff is crucial.

2. Would you like to keep jail staffing levels the same, have less, or hire more?
The current staffing level would most likely remain the same, at least initially, until a proper
evaluation could be completed to determine the needs. Funding will always be an issue with all
divisions of the department, so those areas with the most critical needs will be addressed first,
whether it is determined to be jail, office, patrol, or equipment needs.

3. What administrative experience do you bring to the table? What is your employee
management style?
I have the administration experience of being a former Chief Deputy of Barry County, so I have had
occasion to be the acting Sheriff in the absence of the sitting Sheriff. One good example would be
September 11, 2001. Sheriff Epperly was stuck in an airport on that fateful day, as all flights were
grounded. While serving as acting Sheriff, I began coordinating with local vendors to ensure a
supply of fuel and other essentials needed to protect the citizens of Barry County would be available
for all emergency services should the chaos continue. I have had the opportunity as acting Sheriff to
deal with personnel issues and internal affairs investigations. Further, I am currently assigned as
Captain of the Cassville Police Department, second in command and acting Chief in the absence of
the Chief of Police.
My employee management style consists of leading by example. I would not expect an employee to
complete a task that I wouldnt, or couldnt do. I will provide employees with the information and
training on what I expect from them and will allow them to prove their abilities and willingness to
perform as expected. Employees will be evaluated on their performance and may be reassigned,
promoted or moved within the department depending on their merits and work ethics. All
promotions however will be based on abilities and testing.