Francis C. Jacobson

I am Francis Jacobson, a former Deputy Sheriff with the City of Newport News. It is my greatest privilege to write to you today, announcing my candidacy for Sheriff of Newport News.

During my time as a Deputy Sheriff, I became deeply aware of the pressing issue of young people being lost to the cycle of crime and incarceration. I spent a significant portion of my life interacting with and protecting incarcerated individuals. A sobering statistic stood out to me during my service: an astounding 93.5% of the jail population is comprised of young adults, between the ages of 18-45.

Through my interactions with these inmates, it became apparent that many were influenced negatively by peers within their age group. These patterns of negative peer influence are powerful factors contributing to criminal behavior and recidivism. I strongly believe that those who are influenced into criminal behavior by their peers can also be influenced towards rehabilitation by positive role models of a similar age.

It is to this effect and to address the disconcerting issue of crime, that I developed a program called, “The Newport News For Young People Initiative.” This program seeks to prevent criminal behavior among at-risk youth and to support ex-offenders in transitioning back into society as productive citizens, through a variety of educational, vocational, and rehabilitative resources.

As your Sheriff, I will bring the same dedication and compassion to ensuring the safety of our community. My vision is for a Newport News that prioritizes prevention and rehabilitation, where young people have the resources and support they need to flourish. Together, we can create a brighter future, one that protects our young generation and fosters a safer, more secure city for all.

I humbly ask for your support in electing me as your next Sheriff. Let’s build a Newport News that we can all be proud of. Thank you for your time, and may God bless you all.