Ahead of this November’s election, WYDaily is sending out questionnaires to some candidates in contested races across the Historic Triangle.
First up: The race for York-Poquoson Sheriff.
York County voters will see two names on the ballot for sheriff this Nov. 3, including Scott Williams and incumbent Sheriff J.D. “Danny” Diggs, who has run unopposed since his election in 1999.
WYDaily is publishing questionnaires filled out by each candidate Wednesday, Aug. 28 and Wednesday, Sept. 4. Both questionnaires were sent at the same time, and both were given exactly one week to fill out their answers.
Candidates were required to keep their answers to 150 words each. The returned questionnaires have not been edited by WYDaily staff.
Publication is determined by the order in which questionnaires were returned.
Here are J.D. “Danny” Diggs‘ answers.
Why do you want to continue being sheriff?
I became the Sheriff on 1/1/2000 and have continued to serve for the past 20 years. Since then, I have been recognized as a trusted and proven leader. I am proud to say that during my 20 year tenure that the crime rate has been reduced by 25% while the population has increased by 20%. Over the years, scores of people have encouraged me to continue serving. Every day I am approached by citizens who express their appreciation and tell me how well they were treated by a deputy who went above and beyond to help them. The trust and positive relationship with the community is always growing. I enjoy doing the job and feel that I have improved the operation of the Sheriff’s Office during my time.
What is your plan for community outreach? How will you increase the amount of community involvement and engagement with sheriff’s office law enforcement?
I already have an outstanding reputation for community outreach. This effort was enhanced by the creation of the Community Services Division within the Sheriff’s Office. This brought all of all community programs under the direction of a Captain who now coordinates all of our efforts. Beside personal contacts with citizens, we communicate everyday with over 46,000 people through Facebook and other social media.
Below are some of the programs that we offer.
Community Programs
- Sheriff’s Citizen Academy
- R.A.D. – Rape Aggression Defense
- Project Lifesaver
- Refuse to Be A Victim
- Gun Safety Classes
- Citizen Response to Active Shooter Events
- Home Security Surveys
- Neighborhood Watch
- Safety Fairs
- Shield Program (camera registration)
Business Programs
- Commercial Security Surveys
- Employee Theft Information
- Shoplifting Prevention
- Robbery Prevention
- Business Watch
- Workplace Violence
Youth Programs
- Sheriff’s Youth Citizen Academy
- Explorer Post
- D.A.R.E.
- Child ID
- Safety Town
- Internet Safety
- Eddie Eagle Gun Safety
What are you going to do to improve the relationship between law enforcement and minorities in York County?
I strive to create a workforce that encompasses a broad range of backgrounds including race, gender, languages, and cultural backgrounds to improve understanding and effectiveness in dealing with all communities, preferably hiring from the community we serve.
I encourage deputies to get out of their patrol cars and focus on getting to know all citizens, including minority citizens. These informal interactions improve relationships and reduce bias for both the deputies and the citizens. If there is a problem or specific concern within a group or neighborhood, I will take any steps necessary to alleviate or reduce that concern. I have an open door policy.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference stated in a proclamation, “Sheriff Diggs and the members of the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office have made it their priority and demonstrated their commitment of striving for transparency and ensuring that all citizens are treated with the utmost respect, fairness, and courtesy.”
Do you think there is room for improvement in the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office when it comes to transparency as an elected official and publicly-funded department? If there is room for improvement, what will you do to make it better?
There is always room for improvement in any aspect of any organization. I believe that we do any outstanding job in keeping the public aware of what is happening. Information is provided on reported crimes and arrests every week through logs which are sent out as press releases and on Facebook. Daily, information about crimes and arrests that are of interest to the public are released and posted. I personally answer questions from reporters or citizens daily. I personally make public service announcements and attend various community meetings. I have an open door policy to discuss any issue. I fully comply with the Freedom of Information Act and often go beyond what is required as long as the information that I provide does not jeopardize an investigation or someone’s privacy. As technology changes, I am always looking for the next new opportunity to connect and communicate with our citizens.
What are you doing to retain the “best of the best” employees and deputies with the sheriff’s office?
During my tenure as Sheriff, a career ladder program was initiated so that deputies could advance by becoming a Senior Deputy and Master Deputy. This provides for advancement by means other than a supervisory path. I also provide tuition assistance for college classes. I also ensure that deputies are praised for their good work by formally recognizing them with various awards and medals. Additionally, it is my goal to keep morale high by supporting my deputies during difficult situations and trying to see that their needs are met. I believe that we do attract and retain the best as I sometimes hire law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions who seek us out because that have heard about how deputies are treated and about the working conditions. They often take a cut in pay to come work here because of the work atmosphere.
