Montgomery County Sheriff

 

Republican

 

Jae Hwang

Where you live: Boyds

Date of birth: Feb. 22, 1980

Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Montgomery County Police Department; U.S. Army Reserves; attorney

Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): None

Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

I want to bring accountability and transparency to your Sheriff’s Office. “Do you know who your Sheriff is?” That is a serious question. The Sheriff is the highest law enforcement officer in Montgomery County and elected by voters in a countywide election every 4 years.

The Sheriff is directly accountable to you, the taxpayers, and Sheriff Jae will maintain law and order and ensure that effective and efficient law enforcement services are provided to you.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

The status quo is not good enough. We need strength in leadership. Gang violence has been increasing in Montgomery County and the Sheriff must stand united with the citizens he is elected to protect and serve. I will respect citizens, respect the Constitution, and exercise zero tolerance for violent criminals that prey on the innocent.

To meet the challenges of the 21st century criminal, we must have a 21st century Sheriff’s Office at the cutting edge of technology and law enforcement tactics. I will seek constant input from all individuals and restore safety and security in Montgomery County.

3 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

I had the privilege to work with military veterans serving our country and protecting our freedom. I am a Captain, U.S. Army Reserve, having served around the world, in Germany, South Korea, and Japan, as well as 9 states in the USA. My assignments included Operational Law, Administrative and Civil Law, and Military Justice (Prosecutor).

I speak 3 languages fluently and am learning my fourth. I am a Montgomery County Police lieutenant with 16 years of experience and will continue to work tirelessly for everyone to make this County safe for all, without fear, favor or prejudice of any kind.

 

 

Democrat

 

Darren Mark Popkin (incumbent)

Where you live: Olney

Date of birth: Feb. 10, 1962

Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Currently the elected Montgomery County sheriff. Previously: chief deputy sheriff, Montgomery County, 1998-2010.

Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Elected sheriff in 2010, re-elected in 2014. Co-chair, Maryland Chiefs of Police and Maryland Sheriffs’ Association, Joint Legislative Committee.

Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

Under my progressive leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has transitioned into a nationally accredited law enforcement agency, that not only fulfills its traditional role in the enforcement and service of legal process, protecting the Courts, transporting prisoners, and apprehending fugitives, but provides specialized law enforcement service to the community. I want the opportunity to complete the development of innovative programs that will enhance community, law enforcement relations, using innovations such as deputy sheriff body worn cameras.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

One of the most important law enforcement issues is intervention in potential domestic violence situations and utilization of newly adopted civil laws designed to identify and reduce the opportunity for related violence. Along with other law enforcement leaders, I participated extensively in analysis of the proposed laws and testified before the Maryland General Assembly to refine the legislative actions. Currently under development are Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office plans, policies, procedures, and training to assist community members in obtaining service of new Extreme Risk Protective Orders issued by the District Court of Maryland, designed to decrease the opportunity for physical violence.

3 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

As Sheriff since 2010, I have efficiently managed a diverse law enforcement agency with 185 employees and a $23 million budget. Rising through the ranks of the Sheriff’s Office, I commanded all major office divisions. As co-chair of the Maryland Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs’ Association, Joint Legislative Committee, and past President of the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association, I have established expertise on local, state and federal criminal and civil law enforcement issues. My local operational experiences, along with membership in the statewide Maryland Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council, make me ideally suited to lead the Sheriff’s Office in a major metropolitan jurisdiction.