Candidate Questionnaire: Gallatin County Sheriff

Dan Springer

(R) — County Sheriff

What is your long-term vision for the Gallatin County justice system? What action would you take if re-elected sheriff to help the county get there?

Springer: I believe Gallatin County will continue to lead in the area of Criminal Justice. I believe in the rights of individuals, accountability for your actions and fair treatment for everyone. Our Detention Center and its staff are second to none in behavior management. We have over 130 volunteers who teach 40 different programs. This investment in inmates reduces our recidivism while reducing the cost to taxpayers. I believe in holding these individuals accountable but also giving them tools to become more productive members of the community.

I believe our criminal justice system starts with intelligent, ethical and hard-working Deputies. Deputies are at the forefront of the Criminal Justice system and they are exceptional leaders. All of my Deputies know the importance of being respectful while enforcing the law. We engage each incident with the belief we will provide exceptional service to our constituents. This is played out everyday and at every level of my system.

I have instilled these beliefs from the day I began working here, 26 years ago. As your Sheriff, I have continued to build upon these values and beliefs.

What would be your first priority if re-elected sheriff? What action would you take to address it?

Springer: My first priority is the safety and security of the community and to my employees. This community is an exceptional place to live, work, study and/or raise a family. There are a number of ways we make this happen. We actively patrol our neighborhoods, we respond to complaints and we aggressively investigate crimes as they are committed and reported. We are also doing this through engaging our youth. We have built a Youth and Family Outreach Program to identify and assist the disadvantaged or those struggling. We are a leader in the state for Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). This gives our Deputies and DC Officers the skills needed to de-escalate during mental health contacts. We maintain an exceptionally high standard in training areas such as judgment, use of force, driving, domestic violence and many other Law Enforcement topics.

We will continue to hire exceptional individuals who display integrity, empathy and courage. We will continue our efforts to increase their salaries so they are commensurate with other LE agencies and area businesses. We will continue to involve ourselves in our community activities. We live here and we work here. We are your neighbors and we will protect this community.

Why should MSU students, faculty, and staff vote for you?

Springer: I have been with the Sheriff’s Office for 26 years. I have had the honor of leading some of the finest men and women Law Enforcement has ever seen. I will work tirelessly to uphold the expectations of this community. I will make sure this Office continues to be the pinnacle of character and professionalism.