Candidate questionnaire: Gary Schaaf

NAME: Gary J. Schaaf

AGE: 56

PLACE OF BIRTH: Perryville

SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Tamara Schaaf, Amanda Geile, Brian Schaaf, Aaron Schaaf

EDUCATION:

Graduated Perryville H.S. 1975. Some college at SEMO. St. Charles Law Enforcement Academy, numerous law enforcement related courses from various state and federal agencies.

OCCUPATION: Sheriff

EMPLOYER: Perry County

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

I do not own a business.

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

Chief of Police/City Marshal, Perryville, 1986-1992. Sheriff Perry County 1993-present.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CRIME ISSUE FACING PERRY COUNTY?

Illegal drugs, which lead to other crimes such as assault, burglary and theft. Most crimes do directly or indirectly involve illegal drugs and/or alcohol abuse.

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

I believe we have a good reputation and are well respected by our community and other area agencies. We strive to be thorough in our efforts to prevent and solve crime, and be respectful to all.

DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE WHAT IT NEEDS IN TERMS OF RESOURCES TO KEEP THE COUNTY SAFE?

It is a challenge to maintain a well equipped department with trained, experienced personnel. The law enforcement sales tax passed a few years ago is helping us realize those goals, but we still have a long way to go. We started with a salary boost for all employees, then began to acquire reliable equipment for the patrolmen. We will continue that, but also need to work on our jail operations this next year.

CLOSING REMARKS:

I hope the good people of our community will see fit to support me for another term. We have established a good working relationship and I hope to continue working with them.