Republican Candidate for Chairman of the Board, Charlie King, has called for police department in Loudoun County. King has issued the following press release:
Date: 9/18/2015
Contact: Charlie King
(703) 559-3500 (703) 431-4389
KING CALLS FOR FORMATION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
York Ignores Citizen Support
Republican Candidate for Chairman Charlie King today called for the Board of Supervisors to immediately begin the process of creating a Loudoun County Police Department.
“In the past several Sheriff’s races we’ve heard allegations among political adversaries regarding misuse of county assets, contract irregularities, side businesses, absentee management, infidelity, pornographic text messages and now the disclosure of private emails in campaign literature obtained through a questionable internal affairs investigation,” stated King. “Regardless of the merits, these publicized reports are embarrassing and distract from the mission of law enforcement.”
“Subjecting professional law enforcement officers to political turmoil every four years, and the uncertainty as to whether their careers may come to an end when the Sheriff begins a new term, is unfair to those who would risk their lives to save ours. With a police department, these officers would be afforded the same protections as all county employees,” King continued.
Over the past decade, Loudoun County has been one of the fastest growing jurisdictions in the nation and is now Virginia’s third largest county. “Loudoun residents deserve to benefit from a national search for a police chief rather than be restricted to candidates that must be county residents,” said King.
“County residents overwhelmingly agree this move is long overdue, but it takes decisive leaders that are not simply interested in the status quo. For sixteen years, our current Chairman has said he wants a professional police department, but for sixteen years he’s been negligent in taking any action to accomplish this for our citizens. As Chairman, I will take the needed steps to make this transition a reality,” King said. “The Board must have direct oversight of law enforcement, while ensuring fiscal accountability and not leave public safety to political chance every four years. It’s simply too important.”
Pursuant to the Virginia Constitution, the Sheriff would retain control over court security, the jail and civil process.
