Scott County Sheriff candidate: Wes Drury

Name Wes Drury

Age 55

Place of birth Cape Girardeau

Spouse's, children's names

Connie Drury - wife

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's Office

Businesses owned, all or part

N/A

Public offices held or sought; give dates

Ran for Scott County Sheriff in 2004 and 2008.

Email wcdrury@gmail.com

Phone (573) 579-8729

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

Illegal and prescription drugs as well as, sexual and financial exploitation of children and the elderly are problems in this county. Scott County Sheriff's Department will work with agencies and individuals who have the knowledge and experience in investigating these specific crimes. Using seasoned officers with knowledge and experience will increase the likelihood of successfully removing criminals from the community and provide professional mentors for inexperienced officers.

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?

As sheriff, Scott County Sheriff's department will work with city, county, state and federal agencies to maximize man power and avoid duplication of resources. Prisoners will arrive for court appearances as scheduled to avoid delays that create overcrowding in the jail and the subsequent need to pay transportation costs or house prisoners elsewhere. In addition, I plan to be vigilant in researching and applying for available law enforcement grants to acquire additional resources.

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.