Across the entire nation there are hundreds of community policing programs with varying degrees of success.  The most important variable in all of these programs is Citizen engagement, involvement and participation.  Without the commitment of the Citizens in these programs, all of them fail.

As Sheriff of San Miguel County I will coordinate with the City Police and the State Police to train police administrators, politicians and community residents in the principles, management, and operation of community policing programs.

The primary goal of both of these programs is to provide a safe environment for our children, our families and our neighborhoods.  Citizens need to take back neighborhoods where drug trafficking is rampant.  These programs will provide the lawful framework to the Citizens wherein the Citizens can empower themselves and understand that all of the Police agencies, that is to say, the Sheriff’s Office, the City Police and the State Police will work with them and back them up, as concerned Citizens.  This program will work closely with the Sheriff’s Volunteer Posse [see platform # 10].

I believe that the current situation is not conducive to good relations between the Citizens and the Police agencies.  That will change under my Sheriff’s Office.  These programs will help to change the image of police, so they would be viewed as people who can help those in trouble and as people who can be trusted.

Keep in mind that Police officers primary role is to serve the community in the role of Conservators of the Peace.  Every Police officer also takes a Sacred Oath to support and defend this Constitution for the united States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  Thus every Police officer has a sworn duty to protect the Citizens, and enforce the protections afforded by the Bill of Rights for all Citizens.  It is not the sworn duty of the Police officer to treat any Citizen differently because of economics, politics, religion, race, gender or otherwise.  Every Citizen, rich or poor must be treated with Respect and Fairness, and equality under the law, specifically this Constitution for the united States of America.

There are four areas that I will concentrate on, Community-Oriented Programs, Youth Oriented Programs, Programs Targeted at Other Special Groups, and Programs Targeted at Specific Problems or Employing Limited or Unique Means.  In order to establish each of these programs, I will seek the help of nationally recognized programs already in place and that are shown to be working.  Across the nation it has been shown that these programs increase community security, personal freedom and decrease crime and disorder.

The most important component in these programs is Citizen Participation, Citizen Involvement, and Citizen Engagement.  Without You, the Citizen, these programs will not work.  This will require time, sacrifice, commitment, and personal risk.

- Rico S. Giron, Future Sheriff of San Miguel County