DATE: Friday, October 31, 1997              TAG: 9710290128

SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS     PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

                                            LENGTH:  120 lines

THE PORTSMOUTH SHERIFF'S RACE: IN THEIR WORDS

The three candidates running for Portsmouth sheriff were asked to state in writing why they want to hold that office in the city. These are their responses:

PAUL J. BATTLE

The City of Portsmouth is in dire need for change. I have the wisdom and the courage needed to initiate change for the citizens of Portsmouth. I have seen the times change in the last 15 years for the worst. As your sheriff I know I can impact the lives of children, seniors, deputies, inmates and citizens through a variety of programs/services which will result in a higher quality of life for all.

There is nothing as disheartening to a parent as to have worked all day then to come home to a child who has been transformed from a well-mannered child into a substance abuser through undesirable elements in our neighborhoods. I understand their plight. Therefore, I propose to bring the DARE program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) to our communities and integrate it into all neighborhood programming. I will ask for legislation to make all neighborhoods in our city drug-free zones. This way, we can give the full extent of the law to people who contribute to the delinquency of our children. We also realize that youth sports do not interest all children, so we will introduce educational and cultural programs to all the communities who could benefit. The programs will include tutorial assistance, math, science, English clubs as well as the arts, such as dance and voice clubs through my involvement in inter-agency relations.

When I see seniors I beam with inner joy, because I know God has extended them the privilege of growing old, and there is so very much they can give as consultants on life issues. This segment of our society shall not be pillaged and intimidated anymore. I will ask the commonwealth's attorney to prosecute all persons found guilty of committing crimes against seniors to the fullest extent of the law. We will have conflict mediation telephone lines available and have programming for seniors.

The overcrowded jails is an issue that affects the citizens, deputies and inmates. We will maximize jail security. To the citizens, overcrowdedness keeps us in a potential dangerous setting. For the deputies, overcrowding can cause unusually high stress levels and for the inmates it makes rehabilitation effectiveness impossible. Everyone that enters the jail is not a hardened criminal; therefore, we will introduce a professional rehabilitation system, one that addresses self-esteem, and individual, family and community responsibilities.

We will have a pro-active style of management with an open-door policy for the deputies and the citizens. We will have suggestion boxes where all civic groups meet and we will collect the suggestions monthly. In addition, we will meet monthly with civic group officers to chart our course and effectiveness.

When I registered as a candidate for sheriff, I seized the opportunity to make a difference. On Nov. 4, 1997, you will have your opportunity to make a difference in our community.

VOYCE D. MCGINLEY JR.

I want to be sheriff of Portsmouth for a number of reasons. I feel that I can show that change can be made and that the old way just doesn't work any more. Being a citizen of Portsmouth for all of my life and working in the law enforcement field I understand the concerns and fears of all of our citizens.

I have been asked why I want to be sheriff by a number of people. My answer is that I feel I am now ready to bring my career full circle. I have the knowledge and experience to run our jail in a professional manner, allowing you, the voter, a chance to see me and voice your concerns to me, not someone else in my office. You can be assured that I will be there for each and every one of you.

I feel my street knowledge affords me the insight to keep an upper hand on the inmates in my care. With the knowledge I have I will be able to tell if there is a potential danger to the community, staff or others who are in the jail.

GARY W. WATERS

When I assumed office in January 1982, I was greeted by a department which had probably the lowest reputation in the commonwealth. A special grand jury had convened and, according to an editorial in a local newspaper, the investigation revealed ``the Portsmouth Jail's gaudy record of escapes, administrative foul-ups, and scandals.'' I found that few of the deputies even wore or possessed adequate uniforms - some wore hand-me-downs from the police department. The personal appearance of many of the deputies reflected the department's poor reputation and low morale. The jail was not certified and had experienced escapes. A recent inmate suicide and riotous and disruptive behavior by the inmate population was commonplace. Clearly my job was cut out for me.

More than 15 years have passed. I look back with pride on the accomplishments that I and my staff have achieved - but I realize that the job is far from complete. I have stressed professional performance on the part of my appointed deputies and staff. To assist and enhance my department's performance I have created a training division and designated full-time training officers. In 1996, 26 courses were offered to the law enforcement men and women of Hampton Roads. I now have 43 members of my staff who are themselves state-certified instructors.

My department has met the strict standards for American Medical Association certification. My department has been state certified by the Department of Corrections and has regularly received a rating of excellent.

I have increased jail security and in doing so have perhaps made myself somewhat unpopular with some of the inmates - but most of them realize that their individual safety and security is enhanced by my efforts. I have instituted a new inmate grievance procedure which has been approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. My jail was the first local jail in the nation to achieve this approval.

The Portsmouth Jail ministry program, which is operated without cost by the Southeastern Correctional Ministry, has been used as a model for other jails.

Communication with my staff is now easier because of my open-door policy and weekly meetings. I also hold monthly meetings with a deputy advisory committee which passes on the comments or complaints of other deputies.

As a parent, I am extremely committed to our youth. I have instituted the DARE program in the Portsmouth public and private schools and have trained over 25,000 of Portsmouth's fifth-grade students how to overcome peer pressure in resisting drugs and alcohol. I am obviously very proud of my department's accomplishments; I'm proud of my city and am proud to serve as your sheriff but my work is not yet finished. That is the reason why I have offered myself for re-election. ILLUSTRATION: Photos

Paul J. Battle

Voyce D. McGinley Jr.

Gary W. Waters

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