Name: Dennis Spruell
Age: 57
Telephone:(970) 565-4814
Email: dspruell3@msn.com
Website: www.spruellforsheriff.com
1. How do you define freedom of the press?
The first Amendment states Congress may not make any law that diminishes the freedom of speech, or the freedom of the press. As a Constitutional Sheriff I feel that we must protect and honor free speech. It is the Media’s responsibility to report the truth without prejudice or bias.
2. List three action items your administration would take to guarantee the people’s right to know?
1. First and foremost the Sheriffs Office must answer to the people. I take pride in the fact that during my first term of Sheriff I have answered every phone call and every email sent to me by the citizens.
2. My Office will continue being transparent to the citizens. Since I took on the responsibility of Sheriff, I began a Facebook page that is updated daily with current events. We are continuing our Social Media by utilizing “Nixle”, an emergency system that can contact and warn citizens of emergencies in the county.
3. As reported in the Journal 3-18-2014 our Office received a “sunny report” for answering an open records request. We will continue to provide legally requested items under Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act.
3. What is the overall goal of the criminal justice system?
Our goal is to protect the health, welfare and safety of the community by holding those accountable who prey on society by violating societal norms and laws.
4. Define the role of sheriff within the criminal justice system.
The office of Sheriff is established in the Colorado Constitution. The duties and responsibilities are outlined and delegated by statute. We have numerous duties, keep the peace, run the jail, execute court orders, transport prisoners, act as the fire warden, provide court security, coordinate search and rescue, issue concealed weapon permits, all of which are detailed in the statutes. We enforce these statutes as required. I will support the Constitution, enforce the laws of my state, and fulfill my statutory responsibilities as required. If an agent of the federal government violates a state law in my county we will take appropriate enforcement actions. I will resist efforts by the federal government to manage my agency or unduly and unlawfully infringe upon the rights of our citizens. I will respect the lawful and properly conducted business of federal law enforcement agencies, and fully cooperate with them in the interest of public safety. Being a good sheriff has to be about sensible balance and fairness, and ultimately protecting the rights and safety of our residents.
5. Is political party affiliation important as the county’s top law enforcement official? Why or why not?
The Sheriff represents all citizens no matter their political affiliation. Social Ideologies drawn along party lines have no place in the day to day running of the Sheriff’s Office. How law enforcement does their job is based on statute and the Constitution, not political platforms.
6. Describe the biggest mistake of your professional career. What lessons did you learn?
When I became Sheriff I did not want to be a micro manager. I trusted my command staff to take care of day to day operations without double checking their work. This lead to unscrupulous activity that I would never condone. I learned I do not have to be a micro manager but must verify and keep a hands on approach to all activities within the Office.
7. Describe the greatest accomplishment of your professional career. Who is your mentor and why?
My greatest accomplishment is educating the community on the dangers of methamphetamine. I developed an awareness class titled, “Meth the toxic time bomb.” I taught the class to sophomore at Cortez High School for several years. The class became well known and I continued to teach all over the four corners area.
I have always respected Chief Roy Lane with the Cortez Police Department. Roy was instrumental in allowing me to expand my career, by educating the public as well as continue to follow my law enforcement dreams. Roy allowed me to train and partner with three police canines which became my true love and passion.
8. If elected, what changes would you make in the sheriff’s department during your first 100 days in office? I have accomplished so much during my term but have more to do. I will continue to fight for your 2nd amendment right to bear arms. I do not believe in, and will object to, unnecessary gun laws.
I believe it is crucial to develop a better radio communication system in the county. Our radios cannot get out in many areas, which is a safety hazard for our Deputies, Firemen and Emergency services.
We will continue with improvements in the jail. Our Office created a pilot program in the jail that gained statewide attention. We also brought a mental health professional in to help detainees with mental health and substance abuse issues when they leave our facility. It is imperative that we reduce recidivism and protect the community.
I will continue to maintain a balanced budget and being fiscally responsible with taxpayer’s dollars. I will advocate for coordination between Federal and County Agencies.
9. If elected, what would be the top priorities of your administration?
The Sheriffs Office will provide protection to all we serve, free from prejudice and favor, and serve with leadership, integrity and respect. We will continue to seek and retain qualified employees by improving equipment and training.
10. What are your thoughts on the recent reform of marijuana laws, and what efforts would you undertake to protect minors?
Amendment 64 is a Colorado Constitutional amendment that I will abide by, as it is the will of the people. I however, will strongly enforce provisions to protect minors from underage consumption. Our Office will embark on an education and awareness programs. We have a School Resource Officer in the Dolores School District who can help with the education programs.
11. Do you think there is a disproportionate number of minorities incarcerated locally, and what outreach efforts would you undertake to ease minority concerns?
The belief that there is a disproportionate number of minorities is not entirely correct. In 2013, 46.8% of our jail population was white. 42.3% were Native American and 8.3% were Hispanic. We currently work well with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Our Officers are trained in cultural awareness. The Sheriffs Office works with tribal members to address problems that affect all of us.
12. How would you handle corruption within your department?
I have been given the opportunity to address that issue within my current administration. I will not tolerate immoral, unethical or illegal acts. When I learned I had a potentially corrupt Undersheriff I immediately placed him on leave. Five days later it was apparent the evidence against him was overwhelming. He was given a choice to resign or be fired. Everyone must be held to the same standards, no matter your status in society.
13. What cost-saving measures would you undertake to ensure responsible oversight of taxpayer funding?
When it came to the budget I took a hard line stance. I wanted no increases in the budget unless it was absolutely unavoidable. I have implemented a purchase order system that has never been done by any other Montezuma County Sheriff to my knowledge. This tracks spending and requires bidding on large purchases. We have used an outside the box approach to purchases with miniscule increases to the budget.
14. What promises would you make to rural taxpayers regarding how your administration would use LEA funds?
LEA funds will be used to protect unincorporated Montezuma County in accordance to the law. The funds are designed and used to protect and enhance the safety of rural citizens. Per C.R.S. 30-11-409, moneys paid to the Sheriff for services shall be expended by the Sheriff for law enforcement…
15. Provide any additional comments and/or biographical information you think is important to your campaign.
I have lived in and raised my family in Montezuma County. I have worked as a law enforcement officer for 34 years, always with goal of making Montezuma County a safe place to raise our children. Serving four years as your Sheriff has given me the experience necessary to be the administrator of this fine agency.
This questioner was completed by me prior to the Republican Caucus. The answers submitted may be mute as I am not on the ballet at this time.
I believe if we put God in our lives and the Constitution in the Government we can’t go wrong.
