Independent candidate for Sheriff, former Sheriff Steve Simpson, has issued a response to candidate for Chairman Charlie King’s call for a Loudoun police department. Simpson issued the following press release,
Simpson Responds to King Campaign Release on Establishing a Loudoun County Police Department
For Immediate Release
September 18, 2015
Contact: Steve Simpson 571-233-0102
“An issue has been raised by at least one candidate for county office suggesting that the Board of Supervisors begin the process of establishing a police department here in Loudoun County. I can’t help but feel this has something to do with the quality of leadership displayed by our current sheriff.
“Though this is not something I would have supported when I served as sheriff, the last four years have caused me to take a second look. While this would not be a cure-all to the political problems we have seen in this last term, it would give our local elected board a greater check and balance against any abuses within our primary law-enforcement agency. Currently, only the people can make any changes and then only every four years. As we have seen, that may be too long to wait.
“Of course, many questions would have to be answered before taking this to referendum, primarily the costs associated with the change. And there would still have to be an elected sheriff, responsible for the jail, the courts and civil process.
“This will no doubt be a topic for the next board to consider. I look forward to working with them on this and many other issues of public safety in Loudoun County.”
