Scott County Sheriff candidate: Wes Drury

Name Wes Drury

Age 54

Place of birth Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Spouse's, children's names

Spouse - Connie Drury

Children - Michaela Hayes, Kevin Drury, Maria Drury, Kolbe Drury

Education

Graduated Notre Dame High School in 1979

Graduated from Southeast Missouri State University Law Enforcement Academy in 1992 with 120 training hours

Re-attended Southeast Missouri State University Law Enforcement Academy in 2008-2009 receiving over 600 additional hours of training and Class A Peace Officer's License.

Certified by the state as a fire/fraud arson investigator

Occupation Criminal Investigator

Employer Scott County Prosecuting Attorney

Businesses owned, all or part

I do not own any businesses

Public offices held or sought; give dates

Scott County Sheriff 2004, 2008, and 2016

If elected, what improvements would you make in the department?

Maintain integrity of every investigation. Avoid re-victimizing victims because of inexperience, poor or incomplete investigation, or the unwillingness to ask questions and work with other agencies as a team. Notify public of any scams, prisoner escapes or other public safety issues. As sheriff, I will be available to the citizens of Scott County by phone, e-mail, office appointments or home visits. Citizens will know that the Scott County Sheriff's Department is there to serve them.

Financing law enforcement is always a major issue in rural counties. How would you save money for your department?

As sheriff I would assure that the Scott County Sheriff's department will work as a team with city, county, state and federal agencies to maximize man power and avoid duplication of resources. Prisoners will arrive for court appearances promptly as scheduled to avoid additional delays that can create overcrowding in the jail and the subsequent need to pay transportation costs or house prisoners elsewhere.

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

The reputation of the sheriffÂ’s department needs improvement. A good reputation is critical in gaining the trust of the county citizens so that they are more willing to report and provide information regarding a crime or investigation. To attain this reputation, the sheriff must be knowledgeable about the process for investigating crimes from start to finish and be able to communicate this information to witnesses and victims.

What is the biggest crime problem in Scott County?

Illegal and prescription drug abuse are major problems in Scott County. Sex and financial exploitation are also concerning because they most often affect our children and elderly. In addition, currently there are 8 pending homicide cases. This is the largest number of murder cases since I began employment with the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney's Office over 20 years ago. In reality, every crime is significant, especially when you are the victim.

Closing remarks

I grew up and raised my family in Scott County. I have dedicated my life to serving the citizens in the county whether it be as a volunteer fire fighter/first responder, school resource officer, law enforcement officer or criminal investigator. I have worked as a dispatcher, jailer, jail administrator and deputy at the sheriff's department. I would consider it a privilege to serve the county as the next Scott County Sheriff.