Calvert County Sheriff Candidates

[fisherpw]

Looking for thoughts on the various Sheriff candidates for Calvert County.

Concerned about the apparent increases in crime activity, especially in the southern end of the county. Also concerned about the apparent lack of convictions for those crimes in which arrests are made.

Are these issues the Sheriff candidates should address or do we have a Judicial/District Attorney issue.

 

[loriv]

The police dept's job is to do the investigation and catch the criminal. The evidence is then handed over to the district attorney for prosecution, or at least that's my understanding. One cannot work without the other. The police can catch people all day but if the DA feels there's not enough evidence for a conviction then it will not go to trial. Likewise, the DA may want to put the criminal away forever, but if the police don't do their part the basis for the case is lacking and it doesn't go through. In your search for Sheriff-worthy candidates, you may want to keep in mind that we can't have cops everywhere all the time. Perhaps ask what each candidate's plan is for more outreach to the communities in the south if that is your concern. I am at a loss for how you anticipate who will sweep things under the carpet and who won't... it's not like they're willing to use it as a campaign slogan.

 

[Highlander]

Looking for thoughts on the various Sheriff candidates for Calvert County.

Concerned about the apparent increases in crime activity, especially in the southern end of the county. Also concerned about the apparent lack of convictions for those crimes in which arrests are made.

Are these issues the Sheriff candidates should address or do we have a Judicial/District Attorney issue.

I wish we had more crime in the northern part of the county so the deputies wouldn't have so much time to run radar. lol. Seriously though, what are your recommendations for Sheriff and why?

 

[fisherpw]

My concern is primarily two fold. I've seen alot of repeat offenders arrested in Calvert County with pleas bargining down to next to nothing, or cases thrown out for various reasons. Weeks/months later, various persons are arrested again for similar crimes. The cycle repeats. Additionally, there seems to be increased crime in South county from "gangs", drugs, home invasions - buglaries, etc. Curious if the candidates feel the same way and what their approaches are to remedy this trend.

 

[Highlander]

My concern is primarily two fold. I've seen alot of repeat offenders arrested in Calvert County with pleas bargining down to next to nothing, or cases thrown out for various reasons. Weeks/months later, various persons are arrested again for similar crimes. The cycle repeats. Additionally, there seems to be increased crime in South county from "gangs", drugs, home invasions - buglaries, etc. Curious if the candidates feel the same way and what their approaches are to remedy this trend.

Unfortunately, whomever we choose for Sheriff isn't going to change the fact that we have a too many liberal judges and scumbag defense attorneys Most Sheriffs as well as other Law Enforcement Officers would love to see the bad guys locked up for a long time but it's not easy in our every changing society, which is quickly going down the crapper.

 

[Rider]

My concern is primarily two fold. I've seen alot of repeat offenders arrested in Calvert County with pleas bargining down to next to nothing, or cases thrown out for various reasons. Weeks/months later, various persons are arrested again for similar crimes. The cycle repeats. Additionally, there seems to be increased crime in South county from "gangs", drugs, home invasions - buglaries, etc. Curious if the candidates feel the same way and what their approaches are to remedy this trend.

We definately have ways to make our elected officials and our judges do their jobs. I like the idea of a judicial watch made up of a select group of volunteer citizens from throughout the County. This judicial watch group can be alerted to cases with repeat offenders or cases where the crime justifies harsh punishment. The judicial watch group works closely with the Sheriff's office and the media (newspapers), and actually shows up in court to ensure that justice is carried out. Judges are reluctant to give a light sentence if they know we are watching. Parole and Probation has to be used more efficiently in doing home checks on those parolees living in our County. If Parole and Probation do not do home visits, then the Deputies should do them (They work).

Regarding our elected officials, we have to ensure that the management of our Sheriff's office is putting forward quality investigations for prosecution. The investigators have to have access to updated technology and training, in order to accomplish this. They also have to have a good quality control system in place (good supervisors).

The above two items are a good start to ensuring that crime goes down instead of up. Unfortunately we are left in Calvert guessing, we do not have a Sheriff, or a Sheriff's Office that communicates effectively with the citizens. We have to find out from the newspapers or our neighbors that there has been a rash of Break-ins around the corner. It will take hard work, but the proper elected Sheriff will come into office and use organization skills to activate and engage the large, concerned community base for help in reducing the rising crime rate and keeping it down.

Recently, the current Sheriff was asked about an e-mail pornography scandal within his agency, and he replied " I do not discuss internal matters." This current Sheriff seems to forget that the citizens of Calvert are watching and they are concerned. The citizens will give stewardship of the Sheriff's office to one of these candidates to run the Sheriff's office. To be told to essentially "mind your own business" is completely unnacceptable. Calvert citizens have seen the "red warning flags" of this Sheriff's Office, having serious management issues and asked appropriate questions. We in turn were told to be quiet and mind our own business.

I look at it this way, we have two people that are serious contenders for Sheriff, Don Brenneman and Brian Smith. Both of these individuals have what I think it takes to bring quality law enforcement and community policing to Calvert County, we just have to pick one. With the current administartion we will certainly get four more years of the same ole same ole. The definition of stupidity; doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome!

Thanks,
Sorry about the long response I am a bit passionate about this issue!

 

[fisherpw]

Rider:

Thanks for your response. I concur with your comments and continue to be impressed with the external communication from Sheriff Cameron's office in St. Mary's county. Concerned about the perceived interal issues within the Calvert office and lack of interaction and cooperation with our State troopers.

Time to take back our county!

 

[Rider]

Management

Rider:

Thanks for your response. I concur with your comments and continue to be impressed with the external communication from Sheriff Cameron's office in St. Mary's county. Concerned about the perceived interal issues within the Calvert office and lack of interaction and cooperation with our State troopers.

Time to take back our county!

I agree, listen with the current budget crisis, agencies are constantly being asked to do more with less. It is extremely important to utilize all resources to their fullest potential. We can't afford to leave anybody out of the fight when it comes to battling crime.

 

[CCSD]

Website of Candidate

As a Republican, I have compared the credentials and qualifications of the two Republican candidates for Sheriff this year in Calvert County. I believe that Brian Smith is the clear choice for the September 14th primary election. This will then leave the most highly qualified candidates for the voters to decide on in November. I encourage everyone to thoroughly review all of the sheriff candidates websites to compare for yourself.

 

[Rider]

As a Republican, I have compared the credentials and qualifications of the two Republican candidates for Sheriff this year in Calvert County. I believe that Brian Smith is the clear choice for the September 14th primary election. This will then leave the most highly qualified candidates for the voters to decide on in November. I encourage everyone to thoroughly review all of the sheriff candidates websites to compare for yourself.

I too am a registered Republican, and will vote for Brian Smith in September, only because I am not able to vote for Don Brenneman in that election. In November it is my intention to vote for Brenneman, I like what he has to say in person and on his web site-blog. I just hope that in November people vote for the better candidate and not strictly on party lines. Calvert is in dire need of a new direction in law enforcement.

 

[CCSD]

I too am a registered Republican, and will vote for Brian Smith in September, only because I am not able to vote for Don Brenneman in that election. In November it is my intention to vote for Brenneman, I like what he has to say in person and on his web site-blog. I just hope that in November people vote for the better candidate and not strictly on party lines. Calvert is in dire need of a new direction in law enforcement.

Rider I agree 100% that Calvert County is in DIRE need of new direction. I will review Mr. Brenneman's website further. I did not see where he had held supervisory roles or had a college degree (understanding that a degree alone doesn't make the candidate). It's how you use and apply the information and it also shows me that the person is looking for self improvement and is a high achiever. Also what rank did Mr. Brenneman achieve as a trooper? Rider I really believe we are in agreement that we do need new leadership and may the most qualified candidate win in November. We deserve better!!!

 

[Rider]

Calvert Deserves Better

Rider I agree 100% that Calvert County is in DIRE need of new direction. I will review Mr. Brenneman's website further. I did not see where he had held supervisory roles or had a college degree (understanding that a degree alone doesn't make the candidate). It's how you use and apply the information and it also shows me that the person is looking for self improvement and is a high achiever. Also what rank did Mr. Brenneman achieve as a trooper? Rider I really believe we are in agreement that we do need new leadership and may the most qualified candidate win in November. We deserve better!!!

No argument here whatsoever. I am unsure of what rank Mr. Brenneman held as a Trooper, but I do know that he has many years of public service in Calvert County fighting crime, again not a prerequisite for Sheriff, but certainly not something to be discounted. He has made a reputation here in Calvert as a Trooper and now as a State Fire Marshal. He is well aware of the law enforcement needs in Calvert County and is extremely educated on technology. He seems to have an excellent grasp on how to involve the community in the policing of our County. I have met many educated people in leadership roles that should not have been there. We are fortunate that the interview process (election) is a long one and we get to pick the best person for the job.

Take care

 

[CCSD]

No argument here whatsoever. I am unsure of what rank Mr. Brenneman held as a Trooper, but I do know that he has many years of public service in Calvert County fighting crime, again not a prerequisite for Sheriff, but certainly not something to be discounted. He has made a reputation here in Calvert as a Trooper and now as a State Fire Marshal. He is well aware of the law enforcement needs in Calvert County and is extremely educated on technology. He seems to have an excellent grasp on how to involve the community in the policing of our County. I have met many educated people in leadership roles that should not have been there. We are fortunate that the interview process (election) is a long one and we get to pick the best person for the job.

Take care

Just read in the Calvert Recorder former Sheriff Vonzell Ward just withdrew from the Sheriff's Race.

Have a great day!

 

[Scrapcat757]

I too have been watching this race closely! It is absolutely clear that the current Sheriff does not have the skill set needed to stop the current crime trends in Calvert County. He demonstrates arrogance and a clear desire to NOT work the community. This combination is a disaster for a Sheriff.

I have been watching Mr. Brenneman's campaign and have been very impressed. He walked my neighborhood recently and I had the opportunity to talk to him. He really took the time to listen to my concerns and to inform me of his plans. He didn't just feed me the lines I wanted to hear so I would vote for him. He spoke about what would be done within the department and with the community. He also pointed me in the right direction for the concerns of mine that weren't truly police business. He demonstrated to me that he had a true working knowledge of the county, having lived AND worked here. While I appreciate Brian Smith's experience in Law Enforcement, to my knowledge Mr. Smith's experience is with the US Park Service and not in Calvert County. That is one of the things that makes me feel that Brenneman is the better choice.

All in all I think we are in agreement - it is time for a new Sheriff!

 

[raven]

Looking for thoughts on the various Sheriff candidates for Calvert County.

Concerned about the apparent increases in crime activity, especially in the southern end of the county. Also concerned about the apparent lack of convictions for those crimes in which arrests are made.

Are these issues the Sheriff candidates should address or do we have a Judicial/District Attorney issue.

Wanting a job as sheriff in St. Mary's, Calvert or Charles county's is a job that no one really wants due to the McDonalds pay scale is such so low.

 

[RPMDAD]

Unfortunately, whomever we choose for Sheriff isn't going to change the fact that we have a too many liberal judges and scumbag defense attorneys Most Sheriffs as well as other Law Enforcement Officers would love to see the bad guys locked up for a long time but it's not easy in our every changing society, which is quickly going down the crapper.

I agree Highlander. I believe Sheriff Evans is doing a good job. As far as gang violence, there may be some very loose groups of people trying to be gang bangers in the county, directing most of the violence between each other but when a well known very organized gang called the Hells Angels tried to set up an organized house in the county it was quickly shut down and busted. Crime rate increases, whenever unemployment increases and the economy tanks , and lack of jobs everywhere. Look at all the house foreclosures in Calvert County. Sheriff Evans has increased the police presence in schools, has multiple DARE officers, and is more involved with community relations and has more officers on the road now than when he took over. Also don't forget every time he approaches the county commissioners and tries to justify the hiring for 6 or 8 more deputies, they may turn around and grant him 2 or 3. But that all comes down to budget issues and about the current tax evenue.

 

[1Blondie]

I agree Highlander. I believe Sheriff Evans is doing a good job. As far as gang violence, there may be some very loose groups of people trying to be gang bangers in the county, directing most of the violence between each other but when a well known very organized gang called the Hells Angels tried to set up an organized house in the county it was quickly shut down and busted. Crime rate increases, whenever unemployment increases and the economy tanks , and lack of jobs everywhere. Look at all the house foreclosures in Calvert County. Sheriff Evans has increased the police presence in schools, has multiple DARE officers, and is more involved with community relations and has more officers on the road now than when he took over. Also don't forget every time he approaches the county commissioners and tries to justify the hiring for 6 or 8 more deputies, they may turn around and grant him 2 or 3. But that all comes down to budget issues and about the current tax evenue.

There are some other issues that concern some of the voters.. Officers looking at porn sites while on duty, the horrible crash in Dunkirk (The call was cancelled appox 10 seconds before the crash) The painting of the cars. The Sherriff forged the signature to get the cars doing in Mayberry style.. black and white. When the Sheriff is asked about the issues, his response has been "It 's an internal issue" My Taxes pay your paycheck.. You owe me more that an answer like that. In the private sector, would you give your boss an answer like that and expect to keep your job? Why is it expected to have different rules for the government? They are supposed to work for us..
Yes, I agree that the times are tough. It just seems that there are things that could be done different. As far as the "wonderful job" shutting down the Hells angels, I would have rather had them work on catching the child molesters, child abusers, wife/husband beaters, ect..
Just a few thoughts......

 

[NorthBeachPerso]

It's not a problem coming from State's Attorney Laura "Hang'Em High" Martin.

What you have in the County is a bunch of wannabes that are causing havoc mostly among themselves. That's a bunch of the problem throughout the County but right now it seems centered in the south.

Go to any similar sized area in the US and you're going to have the same nuisance stuff like vandalism.

Note also that most of the armed robberies/muggings, carjackings (or attempted ones) and a lot of the shoplifting isn't being done by people from the County but rather people coming down the Robber's Highway (Rte 4).

 

[Rider]

Calvert Bucking the National Trend

I agree Highlander. I believe Sheriff Evans is doing a good job. As far as gang violence, there may be some very loose groups of people trying to be gang bangers in the county, directing most of the violence between each other but when a well known very organized gang called the Hells Angels tried to set up an organized house in the county it was quickly shut down and busted. Crime rate increases, whenever unemployment increases and the economy tanks , and lack of jobs everywhere. Look at all the house foreclosures in Calvert County. Sheriff Evans has increased the police presence in schools, has multiple DARE officers, and is more involved with community relations and has more officers on the road now than when he took over. Also don't forget every time he approaches the county commissioners and tries to justify the hiring for 6 or 8 more deputies, they may turn around and grant him 2 or 3. But that all comes down to budget issues and about the current tax evenue.

Why is Calvert different from virtually everywhere else in the Country regarding crime rates? ST. Mary's County, Charles County and even Prince George's County are all beating their chest for several years now with better than 15 % reductions in all major crime categories. Calvert is different, we don't get told about the crime statistics until way after the year has ended , and then the Sheriff and the State Police bicker in the news paper about how crimes are coded. All the while this Sheriff tells the citizens that he is doing COMPSTAT. If he were doing COMPSTAT he would have the fresh crime numbers this morning. I went to a comedy night in February, at the Huntingtown High School and was given a pamphlet on the Sheriff's Department. I flipped through it and the crime data was two years old for goodness sakes. Look I know the current Sheriff was a good softball player, but come on enough of the talking points. We are not stupid, you can't tell us that the Sheriff did this and did that, and we just take the hook and run. We want a Sheriff to set up effective programs, not just programs to appease people at election time.
Final thought, did you ever stop and think that the commissioners do not respect this current Sheriff because of all of the mis steps and are reluctant to poor money into a broken system? I am ready for positive change in November, and the people I talk to are ready for change also.

 

[Pushrod]

I when a well known very organized gang called the Hells Angels tried to set up an organized house in the county it was quickly shut down and busted.

The bust was nothing to do with the Sheriffs department (it was a BATFE operation) and was centered around another motorcycle club in Virginia in which two of the HA members got wrapped up in. The clubhouse up there was never shut down. That charter went away later for other reasons (combined with the newer larger charter in Baltimore). There are still HA members living and riding in Calvert County. Evans did not do anything on this front except harass motorcycle riders as a whole.