The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for thousands of pieces of evidence; yet, the sheriff doesn’t use his state-of-the-art barcode evidence management system purchased with tax dollars. Instead, his antiquated system of handwritten evidence logs creates unnecessary problems and risks losing critical evidence. We need a sheriff who understands technology and will use it effectively.

Body cameras are becoming standard equipment across the country. Research shows that they help protect officers and civilians from false allegations, drastically reduce use-of-force incidents and provide the best evidence for trial. They may also give reassurance to increasingly skeptical citizens. With a $15 million budget, there is no good reason not to use them. We need a sheriff who will keep us all safer by requiring body cameras.

We need a sheriff who understands the complexity of domestic violence. Contrary to the sheriff’s statements, marriage, “family values” and “social ostracism” don’t prevent domestic violence – thorough investigations and victim support do. The sheriff should take the basic step of requiring that witness statements be recorded with the digital recorders issued to deputies. We need a sheriff who understands complex issues and gives his people the necessary tools and training.

Our current sheriff is right about one thing: Life, law enforcement and La Plata County have changed drastically in the last 42 years. Hanging out at the pawn shop with your buddies every day is not good enough anymore. People now demand that law-enforcement officers be professional and respectful to everyone they serve and protect – even the “liberal, democratic, gun hating, pot loving, abortionist, Obama supporting socialists” of Durango. A sheriff should be above partisan politics and childish name-calling. We all deserve an active, intelligent leader who will bring our Sheriff’s Office into the 21st century.

Vote for Sean Smith.

Todd Risberg

Durango

Editor’s note: Todd Risberg is district attorney for the 6th Judicial District, which includes La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan counties.