Institute a Sheriff`s Total Accountability Reform (STAR) program

By Bill Hunt

I will implement my STAR program to restore public trust, rebuild confidence and reform the department. My STAR program will ensure total access and accountability to the public, Media and department members.

I will issue concealed weapons permits (CCW) to any applicant who is a law abiding resident of the county, meets state mandated requirements and is not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. There have been less than 1200 issued CCW`s in a county of 3 million. The majority have been given to reserve police officers, judges, prosecutors and to reward political supporters. I will depoliticize the process and establish an annual audit to review each application to ensure the process is unbiased, non-political and equitable.

I will establish an Independent Auditing Team, similar to a military Inspector General that has authority to audit financial, operational and ethical practices of any unit at anytime. The IA Team will report directly to the Sheriff and will be required to audit every component of the department at least once every three years. The team will issue reports to the Sheriff, Board of Supervisors, and Media describing their findings and recommendations.

I will eliminate the department`s current wasteful spending

My first day in office, I will eliminate the Sheriff`s personal protection detail that costs taxpayers more than $1 million per year. Deputy Sheriffs should be protecting the public not the Sheriff.

I will eliminate the current palatial offices. Taxpayers paid millions of dollars for an extravagant headquarters. The space will be converted into much needed office space for law enforcement personnel.

My first day in office, I will eliminate the current policy of allowing high-ranking administrators to spike their pensions by turning in county vehicles and incorporating the cash equivalent into their paycheck for retirement