Sheriff Candidate Forum

Follow the links below each question to view the video responses.

*Disclaimer: Due to technical difficulties beyond our control, the sound quality on this presentation is substandard. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Introductions

• Introduction for Sheriff Rod Hoops
  [Link]
• Introduction for Deputy Mark Averbeck
  [Link]

Questions

1. What is your position on the death penalty? Do you make any distinctions for those who kill law enforcement officers?
   [Link]
2. What do you consider government's highest priority and why?
   [Link]
3. What are your views on law enforcement generally in the State of California? What would you do as Sheriff to assist law enforcement in gaining the additional resources necessary to be able to more fully carry out their mission of protecting the public?
   [Link]
4. What is your position on Alternative Sentencing?
   [Link]
5. What is your position on the Sentencing Commission approved by the Senate and supported by the Governor?
   [Link]
6. According to the Peace Officers Standard and Training, there are approximately 10,000 vacant law enforcement positions in California. This is at a time when we are experiencing an all-time record high unemployment rate. What would you do as Sheriff to help law enforcement recruit and retain the best and the brightest for law enforcement positions?
   [Link]
7. Would you consider reorganizing the command structure of the Sheriff's Department? Why or why not? If so, how?
   [Link]
8. Do you feel the Department's personnel make-up reflects the demographics of the communities in which we serve?
   [Link]
9. What is the Peace Officer's Bill of Rights and what would you change about it if you could?
   [Link]
10. Do you believe the State and County are in a funding crisis? If so, how does this affect our funding?
    [Link]
11. Do you believe it is beneficial for the Office of the Sheriff and SEBA to have a good working relationship? Why or why not?
    [Link]
12. What experience do you have managing a large company or county operation with an annual budget of $420 million and 3,200 employees?
    [Link]
13. What does SEBA's endorsement mean for both your campaign and you personally?
    [Link]
14. You have worked a variety of assignments while with the department, how has that experience prepared you to be Sheriff?
    [Link]
15. As Sheriff, what would be your leadership style?
    [Link]
16. With budgets tightening, what will you do to tighten the purse strings while retaining jobs and benefits for sheriff personnel?
    [Link]
17. What are your thoughts on creating a "tent city jail" like that created by Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Maricopa County, Arizona?
    [Link]
18. There are rumors starting again about splitting the County between the valley and the desert. What is your opinion?
    [Link]
19. If the state is forced to release thousands of inmates early, many will be released into our county. How would you prepare for this?
    [Link]
20. What are your thoughts on staffing levels and the overal operation of our local jail facilities?
    [Link]
21. Do you think closing the Big Bear and Needles courts was the right thing to do? Why or why not?
    [Link]
22. Illegal immigration is a statewide issue. Do you have a plan of action to address this problem?
    [Link]
23. What is the most important responsibility for the Sheriff's Department and why?
    [Link]
24. Even though financial resources are limited during this time of economic crisis, how do you plan to maintain funding for critically needed projects like the jail expansion at the Adelanto Detention Center?
    [Link]
25. Contract cities have become an important component within the Sheriff's Department. Is the contracting of law enforcement services good or bad for the Department and why?
    [Link]
26. In reviewing your past education accomplishments, it is apparent you believe continuing your education is important. How will you help Sheriff's personnel to reach their educational goals? How will those goals be used to evaluate personnel for promotion?
    [Link]
27. Overall in the County have crime rates increased or decreased? What do you attribute the changes to? What plan of action would you put in place to help reduce crime?
    [Link]
28. Utilizing today's technology, what upgrades would you make to the Department's infrastructure if funding was not limited?
    [Link]

Closing Statements

• Closing Statements for Sheriff Rod Hoops
  [Link]
• Closing Statements for Deputy Mark Averbeck
  [Link]