Scott County Sheriff candidate: Rick Walter

Name Rick Walter

Age 56

Place of birth Chaffee, Missouri

Spouse's, children's names

Lisa (married 34 years)

Natalie (and husband, Roy)

Trent (and wife, Amber)

Seth (and wife, Alisha)

Education

Oran High School, SEMO Law Enforcement Academy, Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy, National Sheriff's Institute

Occupation Scott County Sheriff

Employer County of Scott

Businesses owned, all or part

N/A

Public offices held or sought; give dates

Scott County Sheriff 2005-present

Website www.scottcountymo.com/sheriff

Email scsd@charter.net

Phone (573) 545-3525

What is the biggest crime problem in Scott County and how would you address it?

Drug crimes continue to be a major problem and are usually connected to other crimes such as domestic violence, stealing, assaults, burglaries, etc. I have made a special effort to fight the illegal drug trade and have been very successful. We will never stop it, but will continue to fight it on a daily basis and put a big dent in it causing a decrease of the spin-off crimes attached to it.

Financing law enforcement is always a major issue in rural counties. What, if anything, would you do to improve funding for the sheriff's department?

We continually seek and secure grant funding to supplement expenses. We have been fortunate in receiving generous donations from businesses and the public who support law enforcement projects such as the rural crimes unit, K-9 project and the ZJ-1 drone project. Training and technical services are two areas where we have persons on staff that have saved the county money. This savings allows for the allocation of money to be spent in other needed areas.

Do you feel the sheriff's department has a good reputation? How would you preserve or improve on that reputation?

The SheriffÂ’s Office is a professional agency that works well with all other local, state and federal agencies. We have a good reputation that we strive to maintain. Building and keeping a good reputation with the general public is an on-going process that I practice daily and I expect the same of my staff. We work for the people of Scott County; it is our goal to make sure they are completely satisfied.