My Plan to Address Gang-Related Crime
Throughout my visits and travels across Douglas County, I’ve come across a shocking amount of gang graffiti that cannot be tolerated. I know residents of Douglas County, as well as myself are appalled by this disregard for private property. Acts like this undermine the sense of safety our communities deserve. I’ve watched this activity spread into areas of Douglas and Chelan Counties where gang crime wasn’t present before, and we cannot allow that trend to continue. We will make this a priority and work together to take our communities back.
The “broken windows theory” reminds us that visible signs of disorder, like graffiti, invite further crime, and that maintaining order helps prevent more serious offenses.
Early in my career, I served as the gang officer in Sedro-Woolley. I would use that experience, combined with proven strategies and training, to take a comprehensive approach to gang violence, balancing enforcement with prevention, intervention, and community partnerships to address the problem at its root.
Addressing the Crime
Focused Deterrence
This phase focuses on addressing crime before it starts. People are far less likely to offend when they know they will be caught and held accountable, and that applies even to low-level crimes like graffiti.
We begin by identifying the groups or individuals responsible, then establishing clear consequences and ensuring those expectations are understood throughout the county.
My plan in this phase includes working closely with schools and the community while also providing resources and incentives for those who may not otherwise know about them. We must create avenues for young people and others who are often drawn toward the “gang life,” including access to counseling, mentorship programs, and similar support.
This effort will require everyone to contribute to building and sustaining the program. It will also require consistent monitoring to ensure its success, and we will be dedicated to doing exactly that.
Focused Enforcement
In this phase, we focus on the criminals committing the crimes by acting swiftly, fairly, and firmly.
We do this through information sharing, clear communication, transparency, and by showing that arrests carry real consequences. This phase is about putting real pressure on those committing crimes, making it uncomfortable for them and forcing them to second-guess every decision to offend.
We will partner with agencies such as the Drug Task Force, FBI, and DEA to carry out these special projects and utilize resources available to us.
Work with Prosecutors
We will work with prosecutors to impose special enhancements for gang-related crimes and ensure offenders face the full weight of those consequences.
We will build relationships with prosecutors by involving them like we do in Chelan County. We have an incredible relationship there that I would like to replicate in Douglas County.
Work with Probation
We will work with probation to implement targeted conditions as individuals move through the court system. This may include sanctions for wearing gang-related attire, associating with known gang members, or failing to participate in required social programs such as school counseling or substance-use counseling.
These measures reinforce accountability and help redirect individuals toward more constructive paths.
Improve Community Conditions
We will work with municipalities and the county to address nuisance properties, including code-enforcement issues and abandoned areas known to attract criminal activity.
When I was with Sedro-Woolley, we implemented a volunteer program supported by donated paint and supplies to cover graffiti as soon as it was reported. Business owners and residents could report graffiti, and volunteers would respond quickly to paint over it at no cost to the community.
Be Present and Active
Our agency will be involved in our communities. You will know your law-enforcement deputies.
We will host events and gatherings that invite the public to connect with their Sheriff’s Office, building relationships through consistent presence and genuine engagement. We will strengthen trust by being active, visible, and involved.
Avenues of Hope
We will focus not only on enforcing the law, but on being part of the solution. That means giving kids who may not have a mentor or guidance counselor the support they need.
We will work with community members and organizations to show young people what exists beyond the “gang life.” Programs centered on mentorship, leadership, and basic life skills are key examples, bringing the outside world to them and opening doors they may not otherwise see.