The Promise
THE
PROMISE
The Promise
We stand at a critical juncture, with the future of Newport News resting on the decisions we make today. The challenges facing our community require bold leadership, innovative solutions, and a steadfast commitment to the wellbeing of our citizens. In this moment of opportunity, I, Francis Jacobson, am stepping forward to offer my vision for a safer, more compassionate Newport News.
The following key areas serve as the cornerstone of my vision and reformation agenda for Newport News if elected as the Sheriff. These initiatives represent a comprehensive plan to address our community’s most pressing issues and pave the way for a safer, more just, and prosperous future for all residents.
I will prioritize the well-being of our deputies, ensuring they receive the best professional training and resources to enhance their safety and effectiveness
Mental Health Therapeutic Ward and Program
The lack of proper mental health care in jails has resulted in a growing number of incidents of self-harm, violence, and recidivism among inmates. This is not only a humanitarian issue but also a significant drain on the resources of the correctional system.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Law Enforcement Training
- Mental Health Resources
- Data-Driven Solutions
Public Safety
Maintaining a safe and secure community is paramount to the prosperity of Newport News. Despite efforts by law enforcement, crime rates continue to be a concern, particularly in areas with high drug and property crime rates. Additionally, school crime remains a persistent issue, threatening the safety of both students and teachers.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Enhanced Community Safety
- Community-based Crime Prevention
- School Safety Alliance
Technology
Technological advancements are transforming the way law enforcement operates, yet the Newport News Sheriff’s Department is lagging behind in this area. This is limiting the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of deputies in their efforts to protect the community and maintain public safety. As an IT specialist and software developer, I understand the administrative and security use of technology in modern day leadership. Thus, I will bring my experience and expertise to bear on the job.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Modernize Department Technology
- Forensic Cooperation
- Data-Driven Partnerships
Community Engagement
Building strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve is essential for creating a safe and inclusive society. However, trust between Newport News residents and the Sheriff’s Department has been eroded by a history of limited community engagement and communication.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Open Communication
- Community Events
- Collaborative Efforts
Administrative Transparency
Public trust in law enforcement can only be built on a foundation of transparency, accountability, and effective resource management. Unfortunately, the Newport News Sheriff’s Department has faced challenges in these areas, resulting in inefficiencies, overspending, and distrust from the community. These challenges have had a detrimental impact on community relations and the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Thorough Needs Assessment
- Budget Management
- Internal Review Processes
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse and addiction have become a critical issue in Newport News, with 46% of the daily jail bookings being victims of substance abuse or chemical dependency, primarily affecting young people between 18 and 45 years old. Despite current strategies such as arrest and detoxification, the root causes of this problem are not being addressed, and incarceration and recidivism rates remain high.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Community Partnerships
- Youth Mentorship
- Root Cause Analysis
Deputies Welfare
The stress and trauma associated with law enforcement work often goes unrecognized, resulting in a devastating cycle of burnout, attrition, and diminished effectiveness in policing. Adding to these challenges, the sheriff’s office is grappling with a staffing crisis, as the resignation rates of deputies continue to skyrocket due to inadequate emotional support and poor management. As a staggering 7-10% of deputies leave each year, the remaining officers are overburdened, causing them to suffer from mental health issues and potentially endangering the safety of our community.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Emotional Support
- Continuing Training and Professional Development
- Welfare Benefits
- Streamlined communication and enhanced transparency in management processes, coupled with increased manpower or technological advancements to mitigate deputies' workload
I will prioritize the well-being of our deputies, ensuring they receive the best professional training and resources to enhance their safety and effectiveness
Mental Health Therapeutic Ward and Program
The lack of proper mental health care in jails has resulted in a growing number of incidents of self-harm, violence, and recidivism among inmates. This is not only a humanitarian issue but also a significant drain on the resources of the correctional system.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Law Enforcement Training
- Mental Health Resources
- Data-Driven Solutions
Public Safety
Maintaining a safe and secure community is paramount to the prosperity of Newport News. Despite efforts by law enforcement, crime rates continue to be a concern, particularly in areas with high drug and property crime rates. Additionally, school crime remains a persistent issue, threatening the safety of both students and teachers.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Enhanced Community Safety
- Community-based Crime Prevention
- School Safety Alliance
Technology
Technological advancements are transforming the way law enforcement operates, yet the Newport News Sheriff’s Department is lagging behind in this area. This is limiting the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of deputies in their efforts to protect the community and maintain public safety. As an IT specialist and software developer, I understand the administrative and security use of technology in modern day leadership. Thus, I will bring my experience and expertise to bear on the job.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Modernize Department Technology
- Forensic Cooperation
- Data-Driven Partnerships
Community Engagement
Building strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve is essential for creating a safe and inclusive society. However, trust between Newport News residents and the Sheriff’s Department has been eroded by a history of limited community engagement and communication.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Open Communication
- Community Events
- Collaborative Efforts
Administrative Transparency
Public trust in law enforcement can only be built on a foundation of transparency, accountability, and effective resource management. Unfortunately, the Newport News Sheriff’s Department has faced challenges in these areas, resulting in inefficiencies, overspending, and distrust from the community. These challenges have had a detrimental impact on community relations and the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Thorough Needs Assessment
- Budget Management
- Internal Review Processes
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse and addiction have become a critical issue in Newport News, with 46% of the daily jail bookings being victims of substance abuse or chemical dependency, primarily affecting young people between 18 and 45 years old. Despite current strategies such as arrest and detoxification, the root causes of this problem are not being addressed, and incarceration and recidivism rates remain high.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Community Partnerships
- Youth Mentorship
- Root Cause Analysis
Deputies Welfare
The stress and trauma associated with law enforcement work often goes unrecognized, resulting in a devastating cycle of burnout, attrition, and diminished effectiveness in policing. Adding to these challenges, the sheriff’s office is grappling with a staffing crisis, as the resignation rates of deputies continue to skyrocket due to inadequate emotional support and poor management. As a staggering 7-10% of deputies leave each year, the remaining officers are overburdened, causing them to suffer from mental health issues and potentially endangering the safety of our community.
My Strategic Plans For Reformation:
- Emotional Support
- Continuing Training and Professional Development
- Welfare Benefits
- Streamlined communication and enhanced transparency in management processes, coupled with increased manpower or technological advancements to mitigate deputies' workload