Candidate Q&A – Henrico Sheriff (Democratic candidates)

1. Why should residents of Henrico County vote for you as their nominee and ultimately as sheriff?
Ford – I have served my country and my community for over 25 years as a United States Marine, police officer, community leader and as a foster parent. I believe that non-enforcement community engagement builds lasting relationships and partnerships that will make neighborhoods safer, reduces recidivism rates and improves the quality of life for all. Through this community engagement I will create programs for both youths and adults that will address their needs. It will help restore trust and bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public. My goal as sheriff is to improve the quality of life by impacting people's lives, empowering people's lives, inspiring people's lives and encouraging people's lives.

Gregory – My 21 years with the sheriff's office and experience on the executive staff have prepared me to continue moving the sheriff's office forward by building on the current strengths and in a collaborative effort with the staff, other county agencies and members of the community creating a plan that will make this agency even better.  Starting from the position of deputy sheriff and rising through the ranks to chief deputy and acting second in command, gives me a perspective and knowledge of this agency and its' role in Henrico County that none of my opponents posses.  Having obtained a bachelor's degree in human resource management with a minor in leadership and a master's degree in disaster science, both from the University of Richmond, along with the numerous specialized training opportunities that I have been afforded have prepared me to edit, amend and create policies and procedures, assist with the creation and management of the agency's budget along with overseeing the operations of one of the largest sheriff's office in the Commonwealth.

Layne – I have 33 years of law enforcement experience with the Virginia Division of Capitol Police. I worked as a patrolman, shift sergeant, uniformed operations commander, and retired Jan. 1, as special operations commander. I have an associate’s degree in police science and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. I have attended numerous police executive leadership schools and am a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

2. What will be your top focus if elected?
Ford – Employee morale, hiring and retention, recidivism and community engagement.

Gregory – There are four key issues that I will focus on my first year in office: 1.  Recruitment, retention and succession management 2. Seeking opportunities and efforts that will reduce the current inmate population.  3. Audit and review of current inmate healthcare expenses.  4. Audit of internal contracts.

Layne – As sheriff, I will operate safe, secure, efficient, and humane jails. Due to the alarming number of deaths that had occurred in the facilities, I will implement new policies and procedures for handling mentally ill inmates and security screening procedures for venders accessing Henrico jails. Emphasis will be placed on transferring mentally ill inmates to psychiatric institutions and stopping the flow of illegal drugs into Henrico jails.

3. What is the most critical issue facing the sheriff's office? How do you propose to address this?
Ford – Morale. I will boost morale by simply being an authentic leader. Being impartial, fair and transparent is a must. I will stand up for what is right, and I will work hard for all departmental staff. I will value employees and be willing to listen. I will weed out hate, bigotry and personal prejudices, and assure that these types of attitudes and or behavior will not be tolerated.

Gregory – The most crucial issue that the sheriff's office is facing is overcrowded jail facilities.  I will address this issue by utilizing some of the resolutions and suggestions that will come out the of task force recently created by the county manager to address this very issue.  It has been my experience that impactful change can only be created through collaboration and partnerships and that will be the driving force when I am elected sheriff.

Layne – The most critical issue is the alarming number of mentally ill offenders being incarcerated in our jails due to the continuing closure of state psychiatric hospitals and the failure of mental health officials to provide appropriate aftercare for the released patients.

• The ultimate solution to this problem is for the Commonwealth of Virginia to maintain a functioning public mental health treatment system so that mentally ill persons do not end up in prisons and jails.

• I will partner with the community and use court-ordered outpatient treatment programs to provide support for at-risk individuals.

4. How will you involve citizens in the Sheriff's Office and its daily function?
Ford – Through community engagement.

Gregory – I plan to continue utilizing volunteers to assist with the programs and services that are currently offered to the inmate population and expand the program by soliciting feedback from the community on additional services that can be added in an effort to foster an environment that creates sustainable change.

Layne – As sheriff, I will implement community engagement program. The sheriff will lead this program and deputies will be trained as crime prevention specialists. This program will focus on three areas:

• This program will be a resource for Henrico County voters. Voters can request crime prevention classes, at no cost, for church groups, neighborhood watch programs, Henrico schools, community civil associations, etc.

• This program will focus on our elderly population. Classes will be available on cybercrime and neighborhood contractors’ scam prevention.

• Finally, this program will focus on our young people. The sheriff and his deputies will work with our young people in projecting a positive impact on the youth’s lives by providing mentoring programs and being a role model.

• I will invite churches and ministry outreach groups to visit the jails and minister to inmates. Emphasis will be placed on inmates returning as productive citizens in our communities.

5.  What's your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Ford – With family.

Gregory – Spending time with my grandchildren.

Layne – Gardening, fishing, and spending time with the family.

6. What personal or professional clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Gregory – FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association; American Jail Association; Virginia Sheriff's Association; International Association of Chiefs of Police; Virginia Association of Directors of Criminal Justice Training; American Correctional Association.

Layne – Henrico NAACP – Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee; Henrico Police Recruiting Advisory Board; Virginia Center for Restorative Justice; Henrico County Democrats; FBI National Academy Associates; The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; National Fraternal Order of Police; Virginia Government Employees Association.

7. Additional information
Gregory – As a 40-plus year resident of Henrico County who has invested 21 years in serving the citizens of this county, I want to continue working to ensuring that our jails are not just buildings that we simply warehouse persons that have violated the law, but institutions where internal and external resources can be gathered and utilized to focus on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. This is how the sheriff's office will aid in reducing crime and positively impact the lives of families in our community.

Layne – I am a retired police lieutenant and National Guard reservist with more than three decades of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. I'm running to ensure the Henrico Sheriff’s Office serves its residents with justice for all. I am asking for your vote in the June 11 Democratic primary. Together we can make a difference. Please visit my website for additional information: www.layneforhenricosheriff.com.