A POLICE FORCE SHOULD BE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS AND SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROTECTING THE POWER OF THE STATE OR THE WEALTHY.
Statement of personal belief and guiding principle for actions to be taken as Sheriff of Gallatin County.
PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS AND SAFETY OF ALL RESIDENTS OF GALLATIN COUNTY.
All people within the borders of the United States, Montana, and Gallatin County have, with very few exceptions, the same constitutional rights and legal protections. As soon as one group is singled out and their rights are stripped, to any extent, it weakens the rights and safety of all.
DISPASSIONATE APOLITICAL ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW REGARDLESS OF AUTHORITY, STATUS, OR POWER.
To be blunt, this is directed towards ICE. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has a federal mandate and is supported by state law to enforce immigration law. As Sheriff, I would not be legally permitted to interfere with ICE actions in Gallatin County. However, ICE has a demonstrated tendency to commit illegal acts in the course of pursuing its legal mandate. As Sheriff of Gallatin County, I would direct my deputies to apolitically follow the already established laws and ethical standards to intervene and stop illegal actions taken by all agents of the State, including ICE agents.
A CRIME IS A CRIME.
My stance on holding ICE accountable for illegal actions should not be viewed as a protection of immigrants who have committed a crime. Regardless of immigration status, authority, wealth, or power, a crime is a crime and will be pursued within the extent of the law. However, someone who has overstayed their visa and remains within the borders of the United States is a civil offense, not criminal on its own, and is outside the bounds of enforcement by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH.
A goal of any police force should be a safe and just community. This does not come only from policing and enforcing laws in the community. Building strong ties to and strengthening the foundation of the community we all live in brings safety and security.
ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE.
A police force and Sheriff should not be or viewed as an external force imposing an external framework of laws onto a community. Leadership should listen and be accountable to the people being policed.