Profile: Rick Walter, incumbent Scott County Sheriff (D)

Date of birth: Sept. 26, 1960

Place of birth: Chaffee, Mo.

Spouse': Lisa Walter

Children's name, ages: Natalie Walter, 23; Trenton Walter, 21; Amber (Dirnberger) Walter, 20 (daughter-in-law); Seth Walter, 18

Occupation: Scott County sheriff

Employer: Citizens of Scott County

Businesses owned: None

Public offices held: Scott County sheriff

Past political campaigns: Campaign for Sheriff in 2000 and campaign for sheriff in 2004

1. Would you support resurrecting the idea of the half cent sales tax for law enforcement?

Answer: No. The voters of Scott County have said they do not want the tax. I understand and respect their decision. To help fund this department I have made numerous changes in how finances are handled at the sheriff's office. Over $500,000.00 in additional revenue has been turned over to the Scott County Commission during my first term that, in past years, was not available.

2. How would you best use funds for law enforcement in light of the loss of the half cent law enforcement sales tax last year?

Answer: We will continue to provide prompt and efficient service and protection to our citizens even though we are facing the loss of the sales tax revenue. That is why I have implemented numerous programs that are helping to defray the cost of operating the sheriff's Office. These programs include Food Service, Inmate Phone System and Inmate Commissary Program, all of which generate revenue reducing the cost to taxpayers. I recently received notice that I will be allowed to house federal detainees in our facility. This will generate money to help support the jail and our staff. This will start in September, which is when our law enforcement sales tax will sunset.

3. What is your philosophy on investigative stops?

Answer: I have mixed feelings about investigative stops. This is a tool that could possibly be abused if not properly monitored. A good example of an investigative stop is: When we see a vehicle leaving a rural area where fuel tanks or irrigation rigs are located, this would give us reasonable suspicion to stop that vehicle and identify the occupants. We would do this in an effort to protect our citizens from theft and vandalism.

4. Name two areas of law enforcement that will be at the top of your priority list.

Answer: My top priorities are always the same: to protect and serve the people of Scott County. We have 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week patrol for the first time ever. I am on call 24/7. I cannot name two specific areas that would be top priority for me. For the victims of crime, their case is always a priority for them and we always remember that.

5. What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Answer: I am the best candidate for sheriff because I have a proven record of firm, fair, law enforcement and solid business practices. I have conducted the business of my office with honesty and integrity. I have thousands of hours of training and experience in law enforcement at the local, state, and federal level. It is my honor to serve the citizens of Scott County as their sheriff, and it is my hope that they will trust me with another term.