Candidate questionnaire: Rick Walter

NAME: Rick Walter

AGE: 51

PLACE OF BIRTH: Chaffee, Missouri

SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

SPOUSE - Lisa

CHILDREN - Natalie, Trent and Seth

EDUCATION:

Oran High School, SEMO Law Enforcement Academy, Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy, National Sheriff's Institute

OCCUPATION: Sheriff

EMPLOYER: County of Scott

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

N/A

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

Sheriff 2005-present

WEBSITE:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Re-Elect-RICK-WALTER-for-SCOTT-COUNTY-SHERIFF/163899833728670 and www.scottcountymo.com/sheriff

FINANCING LAW ENFORCEMENT IS ALWAYS A MAJOR ISSUE IN RURAL COUNTIES. HOW WOULD YOU SAVE MONEY FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT?

Law enforcement is expensive, but since I took office in 2005, we have successfully generated new revenues to help offset those costs. We have generated in excess of $2,000,000 in new money from those other revenues; a few examples are jail phones paid by the inmates, selling commissary to the inmates and housing federal detainees. We have also brought in outside vendors for food and medical to help reduce liability to the county.

DO YOU FEEL THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS A GOOD REPUTATION? HOW WOULD YOU PRESERVE OR IMPROVE ON THAT REPUTATION?

I believe our office has a good reputation with the citizens that we serve. The people want to be treated fair and equal and that is something that we strive for and will continue to do so. We will continue working for the citizens of this county and will make every effort to provide quality law enforcement.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CRIME PROBLEM IN SCOTT COUNTY?

I believe that drugs are and will continue to be one of our biggest problems. The drug problem goes hand-in-hand with other crimes such as burglaries and stealing by the people who need the money to buy the drugs, assaults, child abuse and other violent crimes. The vast majority of the time the victims are the children that are abused and neglected because of drug use.

CLOSING REMARKS:

We are always looking for new ways to improve the quality of service in the sheriff's office. We continually seek new revenues to help fund projects that educate not only the youth but also adults so they do not go down the wrong path. I would like to say that it is truly an honor and privilege to serve as Sheriff of Scott County and I hope to continue as your Sheriff.