By Robert Williams

Editor

Deputy Sheriffs Shane Richard and Luke Sweere shared their backgrounds and highlighted their qualifications during the second of three League of Women Voters Candidate Forums on Thursday, Sept. 17, at M-State in Detroit Lakes.

Richard is the current Chief Deputy at the Becker County Sheriff’s Office and has 27 years of experience, which began in Dilworth for a  year before he moved to Becker County. He was on patrol for 15 years, a field training officer and a D.A.R.E. officer, a year as Sergeant and Chief Deputy for the past 11.5 years.

“I’ve been helping manage our $14 million budget; I’ve implemented numerous technologies to help both the sheriff’s office, and public safety in Becker County, as well as the region,” said Richard. “I feel like I’m the most qualified candidate, which is why I’m here today.”

Sweere grew up near Henning and graduated with honors from Alexandria Tech earning his law enforcement degree. Like Richard, Sweere also has 27 years of experience, the past 26 in Becker County, which included three years as an officer in Frazee and three-and-a-half years as Frazee Police Chief.

The past 20 years he’s been a deputy sheriff in Becker County, on patrol, boat and water deputy, an investigator for 12 years and the past 2.5 years as lieutenant deputy emergency manager and being part of the command staff of the sheriff’s office.

“I’m running for Becker County sheriff because the citizens deserve strong, fair, and accountable law enforcement leadership and I have shown through my knowledge, training and experience that I can lead the sheriff’s office with integrity, trust and respect.”

Both were asked what they believe are the biggest challenges as sheriff.

Sweere discussed how the office needs to be prepared to face upcoming challenges by providing advance training, equipment and support for staff. He noted he has evaluated staffing levels, equipment and training, the technology and the demands of county citizens.

“If there is anything that prevents our staff from providing the essential services we provide, I would work with our county administrator, county commissioners to identify those ways to meet those needs responsibly,” said Sweere.

He made a point to highlight recruitment, retention, and room for advancement.

Richard emphasized drug enforcement, mental health awareness and management.

“The state needs to do better and the sheriff’s association has been engaging them in that,” he said. “That’s one of the big voices I’m going to have is theirs to say you need to fix the problem you created.”

Richard also shared that Becker County is in the bottom 10 percent of Minnesota counties in regards to staffing.

“We need to get out of that 10 percent,” he said. “We need to get adequate staffing to do our job and do it well.”

With Flock cameras being a hot topic, Richard responded to a question about contemporary issues facing law enforcement with a positive review on the aspects of the cameras in regards to how much they allow law enforcement to provide safety and security for residents. He cited his work with the county’s drone program.

“Our job as leadership is to make sure we’re responsible and that we have accountability for our staff,” he said. “They are great tools and I would say that if your child was abducted, your elderly parent wandered away from their home with dementia and found the keys to the car, you want us to have those technologies to find those things, but you want us to be responsible when we use them.”

Sweere agreed that Flock cameras are useful to law enforcement and communication is key to not allowing constitutional rights to be trampled upon.

When asked about the biggest issue in the county, Sweere said communication is key to preventing crime while imploring residents to help when they are able.

To close, both candidates were asked where they would appreciate the most community support.

Richard complimented the community and the support his department already gets from the area.

Sweere encouraged residents to contribute and provide feedback.

“If we’re doing great, let us know; if we could do better, let us know too,” said Sweere. “Hold us accountable.”