Submitted by Bill Leeper
Personal Background and Experience
“As a life-long resident, 35 year veteran police officer, business owner and former mayor I have been involved with and led many local organizations. My law enforcement training is extensive. I am a graduate of the Florida Highway Patrol Academy, University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute and Northwestern University’s Senior Management Leadership Program. I earned an Associate in Arts degree from Florida Community College at Jacksonville and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College.”
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?
During my 35 year law enforcement career I have already established a good working relationship with all law enforcement agencies throughout north Florida including the Fernandina Beach Police Department. We have to share resources and information to make our county safer.
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?
I have been endorsed by Fernandina Beach Police Chief Jim Hurley and we already have a good working relationship established. By working together we can come up with a plan to provide the best service available to make sure our communities are safe and secure. Looking for ways to reduce costs, duplication, and redundancies without reducing services should be our goal.
3. What changes would you consider to improve or change existing policies with respect to recruiting, training, and deploying deputies?
First, I propose to conduct an independent top to bottom review of the agency to seek recommendations for efficiencies, redundant practices and agency needs. I will look for outside professionals to help ensure the quality and accuracy of this review. My plan will be based on the needs of the agency. I will work to ensure our law enforcement officers receive the training, certification and support they need to be effective in accomplishing their mission.
4. How will you create a positive atmosphere among staff and improve the image of the NCSO?
It is the role of the Sheriff to ensure that officers are led by qualified leaders who can inspire and lead by example to ensure a professional work place. Communication is the key to improving collaboration, improving public perception and improving public safety. I will create a new community presence and conduct regular town hall meetings to listen to taxpayers and citizens. I envision a more efficient, effective and proactive Sheriff’s Office, one that we all can be proud of.
5. Identify your top priorities during your first month on the job?
I propose to conduct an independent top to bottom review of the agency to seek recommendations for efficiencies, redundant practices and agency needs.
I will appoint an inspector general to investigate citizen complaints, review investigations and provide recommendations to ensure the sheriff’s office remains on track.
I will address the growing problem of prescription drug use among Nassau County teens and young adults. I will work to create a special unit within the Sheriff’s Office that will focus on this problem.
I would establish a Sheriff’s “Tax Watch” citizen advisory board to review the fiscal practices of the agency and ensure that tax dollars are being spent in the most efficient manner 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 August 4. Election day is August 14.
August 1, 2012 7:42 a.m.