Garland Rhoden candidate for Sheriff answers Fernandina Observer’s questionnaire

Submitted by Garland “Bubba” Rhoden

Personal Background and Experience

Garland Rhoden Candidate for Sheriff

“My experience in law enforcement has allowed me to be an active participant here in Nassau County.  I have been there on the streets and in your homes as a Deputy, when law enforcement was your need.  I have worked the neighborhoods where I was a K-9 Officer detecting drugs, working cases of burglaries and domestic problems.  I am the ONLY candidate with current employment at the Sheriff’s Office.

Due to my experience at the sheriff’s office, I know the issues that need to be worked on. I am already in place to take over with an easy transition by not having to hire anyone outside the agency or rely on other people’s opinions. I have the experience having served the past seven years.”

 

Candidate Questionnaire for the position of Nassau County Sheriff 

1.    How will you strengthen the relationship between the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), the City of Fernandina Beach Police Department (FBPD), and other law enforcement agencies?

Understanding the need for a strong relationship between NCSO and the FBPD is a top priority from the start. I would offer an invitation to the FBPD for a conference to discuss future relations of our organizations.  Exchanging information and extending courtesy in cooperation as the two agencies combine to bring cost efficiency to both organizations is a must. Working together will not only save costs, but will bring about faster methods of solving crimes in both city and county, eliminating overlap, and extended cost.

2.  Assuming a stronger relationship between the NCSO and the FBPD is developed, what cost savings measures have you identified that will benefit both organizations?

A stronger, (assumed,) relationship that shares information and reduces overlap can bring about cost savings to both organizations. There should be a desire to serve the people of the entire boundaries of Nassau County within the two agencies. Crime in both geographical areas should be the combined responsibility of the two separate organizations, not we will operate in secondary avenues when crime is the enemy, and should not be a divisive element.  Bringing together both organizations needs commitment of both of the agencies to respect the nature of the problem that may separate the two and strive for congeniality between the two. 

3.  What changes would you consider to improve or change existing policies with respect to recruiting, training, and deploying deputies?

Investigate local colleges that offer basic law enforcement training that we consider meets the needs of our organization and then encourage applicants to acquire a degree from them. This will increase our applicants and give us more qualified people to choose from.  Once they are hired, offer more training, allow them to go to places that offer free training.  If the training has a cost, weigh the benefits of the training and how it will help the NCSO and the deputy. This will show the deputy that we believe in them and it will give them a positive attitude and will help the community when they respond to calls. Have a plan that provides benefits for longevity with our organization.  Due to the stress on the deputies I would prefer to have one on one conferences with them periodically to hear their thoughts and needs. I would work on all three of these areas to develop a safe and faster response time to help the citizens in the community.  

4.    How will you create a positive atmosphere among staff and improve the image of the NCSO?

 A positive atmosphere is created, first of all, by having a happy employee who feels their abilities are appreciated and their attitude toward their employer is recognized. A happy person is a person who excels in personal worth and positive appreciations. In the stress filled position of law enforcement there is always a need for acceptance, and within the agency I would strive to create a “one for all and all for one” organization exemplifying closeness within the entire department with a command staff leading by example, and accountability.

5.    Identify your top priorities during your first month on the job?

Restructure all the staff where people are working where they want to work and where they will be the best fit for the department.  Employees placed in positions that are fitted to their strengths and their satisfaction for future growth and progress. A happy employee is a good employee with a positive attitude knowing their attitude exudes confidence and satisfaction.  I shall attempt to bring about a congenial staff of all employees (as may be possible.)

Editor’s note:  The Fernandina Observer submitted 5 questions to candidates running for  Nassau County Sheriff.  In separate posts (order chosen my random drawing), we will present candidate answers to our questionnaires.   We thank all of our candidates for giving our readership the opportunity to be informed on issues that impact our community.  Early voting begins at 10:00 a.m. August 4.  Election day is August 14.

August 1, 2012 7:45 a.m.