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Background
I grew up in Monroe, Iowa in Jasper County, but I've called Black Hawk County home since 1991 when I moved here to attend the University of Northern Iowa. I always thought I'd move back to the Des Moines area after college, but I fell in love with the Cedar Valley and never left. I can't express how excited I am to now have the opportunity to serve as your Black Hawk County Sheriff!
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Politics
I don't consider myself a politician, although the fact that I'm running for public office belies that. As someone with a strong union background who comes from a blue-collar family, I'm proud to be running on the Democratic ticket. I believe a lot of politicians have become far too extreme, especially on the National level. You'll find I'm a very moderate person who likes to think things through logically rather than jump to conclusions based upon any pre-conceived notions.
Family
I'm blessed to have the most supportive wife in the world as she keeps things running at home when I spend (too many) long hours at work. She and my daughter are both teachers, and we also have a young son who keeps us on our toes. We've unofficially "adopted" several of my daughter's friends; we consider them family and love having them around......the more the merrier!
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Community Involvement
Being active in our community is important to us. My wife and I have been foster parents, we've been volunteers for the Cedar Valley Angels, and I currently serve on the board for the Family and Children's Council. Last year while in Washington D.C. I was able to volunteer at A Night to Shine, and I've also had the opportunity to take part in numerous events that benefit the Iowa chapter of the Special Olympics.
Education
1991-1994
Bachelor of Arts
University of Northern Iowa
I graduated from UNI with a double-major in Criminology and Sociology. During my time at UNI, I fostered my desire to serve by working with their Public Safety Officers as part of the Student Patrol program.
2015 - 2016
School of Police Staff and Command
Northwestern University (Chicago)
2023
Graduate Certificate
FBI National Academy
This is a ten week school of collegiate-level instruction designed specifically for administrators in law enforcement. We covered such topics as leadership, budgeting, scheduling, and much more! (Session 386)
FBINA is a ten week leadership course held in Quantico, Virginia. Senior officers from agencies around the world are selected to attend; only about 1% of all peace officers get to experience this! Our class consisted of officers from 47 states and 24 countries, and we received amazing instruction in the classroom as well as some intense physical training. Spending 10 weeks surrounded by these amazing men and women was truly an amazing experience. I consider myself lucky to have been a part of Session 285!
2023 - 2024
Masters of Public Safety
University of Virginia
I graduated with a Masters in Public Safety from UVA after taking half of the courses in person and the other half on-line. The curriculum was geared specifically toward law enforcement administrators with the classes focusing on leadership, community engagement, constitutional law, and emergency management.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
I began my career with the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office on August 29, 1994. During that time I've had several roles that have helped prepare me to be your Sheriff.
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Graduate of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA)
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Helped write the initial curriculum for our "DON'T" (Drugs Offer No Tomorrow) program
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Field Training Officer
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Member of the SWAT team
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K9 Handler
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1994 - 2005: Jail Deputy
2005 - 2011: Patrol Deputy
2011 - 2014: Patrol Sergeant
2014 - 2020: Lieutenant (Shift Commander)
2020 - Present: Captain (Jail Administrator)
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As Jail Administrator, I've been able to have great impact on both the Sheriff's Office and the Cedar Valley. Just a few of them:
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Navigated Covid 19 with very few cases in the jail
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Hired a social worker to work with our inmates both during their incarceration and as they transition out of jail
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Integrated several new programs within the jail such as Lifeskills for Women, Art Therapy, and others
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Helped create programs with both Hawkeye Community College and Iowa Works to assist inmates in attending college and/or finding jobs upon release
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Integrated tablets into the jail that not only allow inmates to remain more closely connected to their family and friends, but that also provide them with educational material such as study guides for HISET (often referred to as GED)
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Approved free phone calls to all attorneys
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Purchased a body scanner to enhance the safety of all arrestees, inmates, and staff
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Renovated the booking area, medical facilities, and front lobby/clerical area of the jail with non-taxed base funds. This has updated our facility resulting in a safer environment, streamlined operations, and bringing us in ADA compliance
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This page is managed by Nate Neff for Black Hawk County Sheriff.