JESSE BANE For SHERIFF
"No one will be tougher on crime than me."

            Though there are many planks in my platform, the ones I believe to be of significance to the community involve (1) gangs, (2) drugs and substance abuse, (3) juvenile crime, (4) protecting our children and families from violence, and (5) aggressive and drunk drivers.

             As a candidate for sheriff, I cannot lose sight of the fact that there are issues that involve the jail function, as the population is getting younger and incarcerated for more violent crimes; and that the jail is reaching capacity.  Initiatives in place now to address the growing population need to continue to insure that Harford County does not have the problems associated with an overcrowded jail.

             Homeland defense is also another issue a sheriff must not lose sight of.  There are facilities and infrastructures in and around Harford County that could be attractive targets for terrorists and the sheriff must maintain his vigilance, continually test his plans designed to protect the population in the event of a terrorist attack, increase training in homeland defense, and maintain the best of equipment designed to withstand biological, chemical or radiological attacks.

             Because a significant amount of crime and quality of life issues involve juveniles and young people, it is time the agency followed the lead of other major jurisdictions and explored the feasibility of a juvenile unit or bureau.  Personnel assigned to this unit would receive the training and expertise to deal specifically with juvenile crime, gang activity, alcohol and substance abuse, and diversion programs to steer young people away from crime and into more meaningful activities.

             There is also a need to understand that, even though the police play a major role in battling the gang problem, it is not just the police that must become involved.  Government, legislators, business, the private sector, education, non-profits, and the community need to come together with law enforcement to tackle the problem if we want to see progress in a positive direction.  From a law enforcement perspective, Harford County needs a gang task force, laws that specifically address gangs and gang crime, laws that carry stiffer penalties for gang crime; and it needs to better organize communities and identify and train community leaders to assist them in dealing more effectively with their gang problem.

             Most crime problems can be addressed through investigation and good police work. But you also need money and manpower.  There is a need to allocate resources through the use of more technology, placing deputies on patrol in areas where the data shows the crimes to be.  Funds should be allocated to provide high visibility and high impact details where serious crime problems exist, particularly along the route 40 corridor.  And there needs to be a more aggressive pursuit of grants and grant funding to provide more personnel and equipment that Harford County tax dollars cannot afford.

             At present, there is need for an adequate facility along the Route 40 corridor in the Edgewood area to replace the Southern Precinct.  Initiatives are now in place to do so but it is my intent to work to bring this into existence as quickly as possible as the present facility is totally inadequate for the services it provides and the community it serves.

             Additionally, there is a need for a third precinct in the southeastern area of the County as development and population growth necessitates a police facility located within that community.  With the advent of BRAC, the need for a third precinct becomes even more critical as more growth is anticipated in this area over the next five to eight years.

             Finally, there is also a need to continue the initiatives designed to remove drunk drivers from our roadways.  But there also needs to be more of an effort to address aggressive drivers on Harford County’s major roadways.  Traffic problems are a growing concern as our roads are not adequate to handle existing traffic volumes, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours.  Drivers seeking to reach their destinations as quickly as possible are losing patience and taking unnecessary risks that place others in jeopardy.  Serious traffic accidents and deaths are the result.  A most recent incident allegedly attributed to road rage cost one young man his life.  It is my plan to pursue funding for initiatives to address aggressive driving and to increase patrol initiatives to remove drunk drivers from our roads.