Questions - Jeron Barnett - For Waller County Sheriff

Thank you for taking the time to visit this page. I am a firm believer in communicating with you, the citizens who have the power to elect me as YOUR sheriff.

I will continue to communicate with you the citizens, and I feel that it will be my responsibly to answer to you.

NOTE: These questions below are questions received from citizens, and they have not been altered from their original content as received with the exception of the spelling.

Why are you running for the position of Sheriff?

I am truly concerned for the safety and welfare of the citizens residing in our county. Currently we are at a pivotal point of growth in our community, and law enforcement must be prepared, and equipped to deal with that growth.

Unfortunately I do not feel that the issue of growth and it's impact on your safety and security has been given much attention by our county law enforcement.

I believe it's time for an administration that is willing to progressively deal with change and growth, and provide unconditional professional service that should be afforded to all the citizens of Waller County.

My pledge is to ensure that unconditional service will not be determined by your age, gender, religion, sex, or ethnicity, economic status, or political affiliation.

Why do you feel our county law enforcement has not given attention to growth?

In approximately 10 to 15 years the population of Waller County is estimated to grow to approximately 1 million citizens. We can see this growth becoming evident throughout our county.

Our county jail is insufficient and out dated. During the night-time hours our unincorporated areas of our county are being patrolled with an insufficient amount of law enforcement personnel, which causes law enforcement response times to be slow, and unacceptable.

Some citizens have expressed their concern of incidents when law enforcement does not respond at all, and this is unacceptable and unfair to our citizens.

There is a strong absence of aggressive crime prevention education being offered to our communities, and businesses. Community awareness reduces the risk of being victimized. Crime prevention education and training can help lessen the possibility of our citizens becoming victims of crime. Vehicle traffic on our roadways has increased, but according to testimonies from many of our citizens, traffic enforcement is insufficient, particularly in our communities, and on our main roadways.

What issues facing our county do you feel are important?

I feel all issues are very important. The facts shows crime overall is on a fast track upward.

Violent crime is up 0.7%; Murder is up 2.9%; Robbery is up 3.6%; Property Crime is up 1.1%; Burglary is up 2.6%, and Theft is up 1.2%.

Waller County has continued to maintain a sexual offender rate of a 3:1 ratio, higher than Harris County, Fort Bend County, or Montgomery County, and the general public have no knowledge where those sex offenders reside in our county.

We continue to deal with compounded illegal drug issues, illegal gambling, and prostitution, not to mention the lack of mentoring programs for our youth. I believe all the issues mentioned any many that are not, are a grave threat to the safety and security of all citizens of Waller County, therefore they are equal in importance. The facts are there for everyone to see, data is posted on the Federal Bureau of Investigation website.

As sheriff how will you address the listed issues?

1. An aggressive and expedient approach. Not all issues can be solved over night , however recognizing and prioritizing each issue and attacking it head on is a start.

2. Encouraging and advocating members of our communities to become actively involved in effective crime watch programs.

3. Periodic crime prevention education training for our communities and businesses. 4. By using every local, state, and federal law available to investigate, apprehend, and with unified cooperation from our district attorney's office, prosecute all those who choose to undermine the laws of Texas, or exercise their criminal intent against the peace and dignity of the citizens of Waller County.

With the difficulties ahead, will you be able to work with our county government?

Yes, and I shall. Although there may be disagreements, I believe if we continue to use respect and courtesy we will find the solutions and answers to our concerns and needs. I will always do the right thing, for the right reason. As Sheriff, the citizens of Waller County shall be my number one priority, and I will not waiver on my dedication and commitment to all Waller County.

" YOUR SAFETY SHALL BE OUR BUSINESS!"

If elected Sheriff of Waller County in November, what is the first change you would make to improve the department?

In answering your question, there are a few changes I would like to put first on the list, but the morale within the department is an issue I would address without hast.

I believe I could make a fair and more informed choice for change, once in the position of Sheriff. It would also give me the opportunity to see exactly what needed to be changed expeditiously.

I would be very interested to receive any suggestions that the citizens may have, after all, it's your sheriff department, for it belongs to the citizens!

What is your position on Animal Control?

This is another priority issue on the top of my list!

I feel it is imperative they we establish a system that will service the entire county. There are animals within our county that are in need of serious attention, the animals like the one that is posted on the blog, and the animals that are a serious safety, health and danger to our citizens.

I believe at this time there are only two active animal control persons that are certified and trained to deal with animal issues and they work in the City of Prairie View, and the City of Katy. But, it is also my understanding that our County Commissioners understand the graveness of this problem and they are aggressively working for a solution (so please, take the survey).

The fact is that people are responsible for our humane problems, not the animals. If we had an active county animal control entity, we could work in unity and cooperation with our county law enforcement, to use the laws afforded to us by the State of Texas to hold those accountable who fail to care for their animals properly. It's about accountability, and responsibility.

What is your position on organized crime gambling operations in Waller?

In answering your above mentioned question, I have five words, " It is against the law!" Chapter 47, of the Texas Penal Code, titled "Gambling," gives law enforcement the tools needed to arrest those violators of chapter 47, if the evidence shows such violations are present.

The federal government gives additional tools with the, "Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations Act," or (RICO Act). This Strong and powerful tool is being used today by law enforcement agencies all over the country. I would use every available law to make effective arrest of those who choose to go against such laws.

The RICO Act is located in the "United States Code," Title 18 section 1961-1968.

What is your work history over the past 20 years? Please provide a brief job description, duration of employment, reason for leaving (new opportunity, left on your own terms, requested to resign, terminated, etc.)

Thank you for your question.

I began my service in law enforcement with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department in Houston, Texas (12yrs), I also served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (2yrs), and currently I serve the citizens of Katy, Texas with the Katy Police Department (9yrs).

I've been assigned to jail detentions, patrol, instructor (in an academy setting) and training officer, narcotics investigator, Crime Prevention Officer, and lead officer where I served in the capacity of a supervisor.

Thank God, in 23 years I have never been fired from any assignment in law enforcement, or during my military tour of duty. To be frank, I have had a great career, with a great record of service

The patrol deputies and surrounding agencies need training, what is your opinion on training and continued education in this county.

It is very important that all law enforcement agencies and their officers/deputies continue to train and learn those things that are necessary to provide and offer the citizens the best from their law enforcement.

It is my desire to have all law enforcement agencies within Waller County train together. I believe this would build a strong unity and cohesiveness between agencies, and allow agencies to have a working knowledge on how one another operate. It would also be beneficial when agencies assist and support one another during the performance of their duties.

Do you promote deputies on merit or because you just like them?

I would allow the department administration (chain of command) to have an active roll in the promotion process of deputies. Promotions would be based on abilities, performance, and the needs of the department.

Do you agree with the chain of command? do you wish implement it here in county?

Yes, I strongly believe in the chain of command. I also believe that the chain of command should be respected, it is the second most important component for the success and orderly operation of organizations and businesses.

Brookshire Citizens said...
Mr. Barnett contrary to popular belief Brookshire is a "major" hub of Waller County. However Brookshire appears to get the least amount of support from the Waller County Sheriff Dept. What changes if any are you proposing to help bridge the invisible gap?

Thank you for the opportunity. It is going to take an aggressive and sincere effort from the community as well as myself as your sheriff, to ensure that there is effective, and positive communication between the community and the sheriff department. I would solicit the help from the community and ask for volunteer's to come forward and be liaisons for the community, to express the concerns and problems that the communities are experiencing, this I do believe would be a start to address those concerns and problems. Working together we can find the solutions.

Due you plan to start programs such as k-9, traffic enforcement public communications officer's, drug interdiction, court house security while open? just to name a few. With what will you pay for the programs. Will you work with the DA to and ask him (Fred) to start a seizure program?

Those are great programs, and yes I would like to see several of them implemented for the safety, and security of Waller County Citizens. Many of the programs mentioned could pay for itself, and others the Federal Government have GRANTS in place to assist us.

The avenues are there, we must be willing to travel down the road to receive the rewards at the end of the road.

Is civil process a problem in this county? can you fix the problem?

Although personally I have not experienced anything negative within the civil process of our county, but I have been advised by several citizens in reference to their concerns with our county civil process concerning county law enforcement actions.

This would be something that I could address in greater degree once in a position of being the sheriff, due to the fact I could gain firsthand personal knowledge of the civil process operations within our county law enforcement. It would also give me an opportunity to make changes were and when they are needed.

What would do to increase response time for calls?

The time used in responding to a summons from our citizens is very important, sometimes it can determine the difference between life or death.

Initially I would section the county into patrol zones or beats. Each zone would have the number of deputies needed to effectively serve that zone. The numbers of deputies for each zone would be based on population of the zone, and the call volume that each zone receives. I would also work hard and aggressively to ad deputies to the patrol division.

Due you agree in evaluations (for staff)? 6mths, 1 year.?

Evaluations are a great tool to find strengths and determine areas that may need to be improved. It should be used in a positive way and not as tool to demoralize and discourage individuals. Every six months.

Who do people need to contact on Mr. Barnett's campaign staff to make donations?
(phone number, address, PayPal account, etc.)

If people don't have money to donate can they volunteer their time to promote Mr. Barnett's candidacy?

First allow me to say thank you! - Please feel free to call 832- 724-2551, (936) 857-3215 or you can donate online through PayPal.com using a Debit or Credit Card, or Electronic Check. Should you wish to use this online service, please send your contribution to PayPal.com account "Donate@WallerCountySheriff.com.

I would be thoroughly pleased to have your support and time you can also contribute to me election campaign. Please email me with your information, your help would be deeply appreciated and cherished.

Statement by Jeron Barnett - September 11, 2008

Let us all remember that on this day September 11, 2001, our Nation was attacked by cowards and terrorist! Let us unite on this day and pray for those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center, and the families of the victims. Also let us pray for the brave American men and women in our military, who have volunteered to fight the cowards and terrorist, so that the possibility of our Nation being attacked once more are lessened.
PLEASE REMEMBER! Freedom is not free! We all must pay the price. May God Bless you all, our Nation and our County!

Statement by Jeron Barnett - September 11, 2008 - HURRICANE "IKE" IS A SERIOUS THREAT TO WALLER COUNTY

Greeting Waller County Citizens,

At the present time we are facing a strong possibility of being in a projected path of hurricane Ike. I would like to take this opportunity and ask that you all be very aware and concerned of the danger that weather such as Ike can and may cause.

The following are a few safety tips and precautions to take to help increase all of our safety.

1. Remember to remove all loose items from window areas inside and outside your residence. Please secure the items so that they will not become missiles that could cause serious bodily danger, or severe damage to your homes.

2. Keep your vehicles full of fuel, and have reserves in safe sturdy containers.

3. If possible secure windows by applying plywood on the outside of windows (not the inside, may cause injury due to wind).

4. Have plenty of bottled water, and canned foods where applicable.

5. Keep close, needed medications (i.e. blood pressure, heart, diabetes, and asthma etc.) you may also place those medicines in a strong ziplock bag to prevent them from becoming water logged.

6. place in a ziplock bag important documents, and keep them close at all times.

7. If possible have handy a battery operated flashlight and radio with spare batteries.

8. Now is the time to preplan escape routes for home and areas where you live.

9. Never wonder away from groups or family members, and if you must, always advise someone where you are heading.

10. Be very aware of the areas that may flood, regardless to the amount of water present.

11. Pay attention to running water, streams, lakes and ponds. Also watch for floating ant mounds and snakes.

12. If you know of an elderly or special needs person, please contact your fire department and your local law enforcement agency to advised them where those individuals are located.

13. If you must leave your homes please remember to secure your homes if possible. Take only documents that are of major importance, they may also be placed into a ziplock bag.

14. Remember your pets! Don't leave them locked in stalls, barns or secured to any items or trees. Have additional pet foods if possible.

15. If you become stranded, find save ground and remain in place where you can be seen if possible.

16. DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO EVACUATE!

Try to stay calm at all cost, and remember cell phones may or may not work. Let your fire, law enforcement, and EMS personnel do the rescuing for they are trained to deal with hazardous situations.

Remember safety is everyone's business, and use good judgment and sturdy common sense in all situations.

I was wondering, is there going to be a political forum? I would like to see and meet them. I know they had a forum during the primary and run-off. please answer. where, when, both candidates? or just one.

I will be a the Brookshire Library on 09-15-08 at 7:00pm, for a meet the candidate form. I look forward to meeting each of you, and having the opportunity to address your concerns.

UPDATE 9-15-08

I would like to apologize to each of you for the cancellation of the meet the candidate form. Due to the situations brought about by hurricane Ike, we decided to cancel the form. We will reschedule the form for a date in the very near future. Thank you all very much.

Sir, if you get elected, will you still patrol in the neighborhoods and talk to folks? The sheriff in my home town did that and he was very popular.

I feel the best action for any law enforcement entity is "interaction"
I will be active in the communities and accessible to all citizens. I may appear at your door, if you were to call for assistance, or you may observe me writing a citation, or my family may be sitting next to yours one Sunday morning during the worship service were you visit church.

I "will not" be confined to serving you from just behind a desk, or Monday through Friday, from 8a to 5p.

Will you or your office create an interactive web site? I wish to check where crimes are committed, how many tickets, warnings, arrest DWI/DUI, are performed by the office without waiting 6 months for the stats to be released. it is hard to sell homes when there is no active(current) stats to tell your client.
seller/buyer

Yes we will have an interactive information system. We will incorporate it with our crime prevention program. The information will be current and easily accessible. It is important that the community is aware of those things that may have an impact on were you live and were your children play.

What can you do about the big trucks running our county roads?

Many times the reason for larger trucks damaging the roads is due to those vehicles being heavier that than the weight prescribed for the roadway. I would initiate additional traffic enforcement units, to aid the vehicle enforcement unit already active at the sheriff department. It will take aggressive enforcement of our roadways to lessen and in time stop the over weight traffic from damaging or destroying our roads.

Mr. Barnett, I am a fist time blogger and have read your responses and you my friend have answered the questions with great insight as to where you wish the office to go. Here is the question.

Why would you wish to put an unblemished career on the line for a county that obviously has a racial problem?

Waller County is a good county, full of great citizens, we have differences, but I truly believe the majority of us are unified in wanting what is best for our County.

Two of the most important oaths that I've taken in my life;
1. The oath of a solider / military fighting man, in The United States Army, to defend my Country;
2. As a Peace Officer, to uphold the laws of The State of Texas, and protect the Citizens of this Great State.

As I took those solemn oaths before our "God" and our "Country" while standing with many taking the same oaths, I did not see gender, religion, or ethnicity, I saw AMERICA, and the only color present in all our hearts and souls was RED, WHITE, & BLUE!

As long as I continue to receive good health and strength from our Creator, I will volunteer to be on the front line to protect and serve our Country, and our County, for other than service to God, there is no greater service than the service to all of you, the Citizens of our Great Country and our Great County.

Will you let your deputies work in Harris County on EXTRA JOBS?

Yes, I will allow deputies to work extra jobs outside of Waller County, as long as those jobs do not interfere with the deputies main obligation to the Citizens of Waller County, and the Sheriff Department.

Due to the fact that the deputies will be working under the "color of law," the extra jobs will be allowed after a request has been submitted by the deputy, and approved by the administration.

This process will be necessary to protect our Sheriff Department from civil litigation, and to uphold a high level of integrity for our Sheriff Department and Waller County.

Will you help the cities with problems they have? Working with Brookshire, Hempstead, Waller, PV and other cities to increase partnership with agencies when it comes to special crimes, prostitution, drugs, gaming, traffic, and misconduct of officers?

All law enforcement agencies within our county and those neighboring our county, should have a positive, and respectful rapport with one another. After all the most important issue is you the citizens, and your safety, security and welfare.

I will do all I can to assist every agency within Waller County.

Do you have children? What are their thoughts on you running for sheriff?

Yes, I do have children. My family is very supportive, and I am truly grateful to them for their patience, love and devotion. My youngest made a statement, " Daddy, when you are sheriff, I want to help people like paw paw's, age."

At seven years old, I thought she expressed wonderful love, and compassion for those like her paw paw. By the way, paw paw has been blessed to see 76 years young.

Did you run against Randy Smith 4 years ago? What happened? Why?

Yes, I was a candidate for sheriff four years ago (2004 election cycle). I was unsuccessful in my bid. My reasons for running in 2004 are the still the same, I feel many of the same criminal issues we are facing now, we also faced in 2004.

Who do people need to contact on Mr. Barnett's campaign staff to make donations?
(phone number, address, paypal account, etc.)

If people don't have money to donate can they volunteer their time to promote Mr. Barnett's candidacy?

First allow me to say thank you! - (c) 832- 724-2551, (936) 857-3215
Donate@WallerCountySheriff.com
Please email me with your information, your help would be deeply appreciated and cherished.

What will you do about the jail ? It is in poor shape and obviously not secure (escape risk high).

First as Sheriff, it is going to be vital that I incorporate with our County Commissioners and County Judge to ensure that we all work in concert to choose the best plan of action for a proper detention facility.

I believe that we can be very successful in choosing a facility that would be state of the art, secure and acceptable to the citizens.

There are several options available for Waller County. Our County Judge along with our County Commissioners are working very aggressively on the detention facility issue.

Who is your choice for chief deputy?

Honestly, I do have a choice, but I can not ask that individual until the election is over, due to campaign rules, regulations and laws.

How many officers do you current work with? What is the most and least that you have ever worked with?

Currently I work with approximately 45 officers, but I have worked with as few as 10, to as many as 2000.

Who is your most political supporter that is not a family member?

I have been approached by a wonderful array of concerned citizens who want to see our County become known for positive reasons, and not just the negative reasons, and they have given me their support.

I have received support from business persons, educators, ministers, law enforcement, 1st time voters, and those who haven't voted in many years, but the support that warms my heart most, has come from the children.

When I take my daughters to school in the mornings, I have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders, telling me they are going to vote for me. Now I know they are too young to vote, but knowing that they have a mild understanding about our "Great Country," and our freedom in Democracy, it's wonderful to know that they would trust me with something that is so important, "their vote."