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KEN'S TOP PRIORITIES
The campaign for sheriff is dedicated to serving the community with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to public safety. With a deep-rooted passion for public service, Kent's goal is to address critical issues, create a safer environment, and build a safer community for all. Drawing from years of experience, Kent is focused on implementing effective strategies to tackle crime, improve law enforcement, and enhance the overall well-being of our neighborhoods. Here are Kent's top three key issues.
KEY ISSUES
1. Countywide Active Shooter Policy
Currently there is no multi-agency plan of action to manage an active shooter incident. As SWAT Commander I have partnered with the Billings Police Department SWAT team to train to a situation of this type but there is no formal policy in place. As Sheriff I will partner with all local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and EMS to implement a written policy in the county so we can train and be ready to proactively not reactive to diffuse a incident of this type.
2. Fiscal Alternatives
Law enforcement is going to have to do more with less. Budgets are tight and the taxpayer is already asked to give on many levels. State and federal opportunities are available, and I have applied and been awarded for the past 2 years grants from the Montana Department of Transportation. This funding has been directly responsible for county traffic enforcement programs to actively patrol identified vehicle crash zones and rendered focused DUI patrols especially for holiday weekends and large sporting or entertainment events.
3. Officer Resilience and Mental Health
No one calls law enforcement when things are going well, and first responders see the worst of humanity. According to the Journal of Traumatic Stress, the average person will encounter 2-3 critical incidents in their life, but law enforcement can be exposed from 2-5 a month resulting in over 175 critical incidents in a 20-year career. As the board chair of the Big Sky Critical Incident Stress Management Team, I have worked diligently to recruit 4 new certified mental health professionals to the team. As Sheriff, I will enhance our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), so our deputies have rapid accessibility to these professionals for aggressive treatment of trauma symptomology without stigma.
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