PLATFORM
"I have served the citizens of Salem as a deputy sheriff since 2003. When I took office as Sheriff on January 1, 2018, I made a committment to focus on efficiency of operations, provide a high-level of service, and increase our community relations. We have accomplished those goals and more! In my second term, I will continue with a focus on the growth and development of my staff and also fight to ensure they receive the pay and recognition they deserve so that we continue to offer our citizens the best of court services." Sheriff Staton
TERM ONE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ACCREDITATION
Major Todd Clingenpeel, Accreditation Manager, successfully built our accreditation files with proofs of compliance from all members of the office. Under his direction, we fulfilled all requirements of the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission and completed our on-site assessment with zero file returns. This displays the true professionalism and quality of our office.
LEADERSHIP FOCUS
My top priority has been my desire to create an atmosphere of leadership at all levels in which appointees grow and develop into the professionals our citizens need them to be.
In order for this to be successful, communication and accountability had to be constants in our daily supervision. Each member of the office is fully aware of all expectations and is provided the tools and guidance necessary to excel.
PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Office operations, prior to Covid-19, were extremely busy for us. Because we didn't have a designated person to answer the phones, enter civil process, manage employee time keeping, and various other administrative duties, many members of the office had to step in to fill that role. With many hands in the basket, we were making errors and lacked consistency. Therefore, I requested a full-time administrative assistant to assist us with these operations. Due to the constraints on the city budget, we were allowed to hire a part-time administrative assistant. This has proven very beneficial to all aspects of our operations.
INCREASED COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Since 2017, I have ensured that we are engaging with our community as much as possible. From in-house events of hosting local schools to larger events focusing on kids valley-wide. Our staff enjoy the ability to serve and build relationships with others. We have also incorporated a social media page so that citizens can interact and be up to date with happenings in the office.
OFFICE CULTURE & MORALE
In a time when law enforcement officers are leaving the profession in droves, we have created an atmosphere in our office that is positive, encouraging, compassionate, and professional.
Appointees are thriving and maintain a high-level of morale and positivity despite COVID-19 and all other challenges we face.
PART-TIME WAGE INCREASE
During a part-time deputy vacancy, we struggled to hire quality candidates for the position. After several attempts posting the position without success, I gathered wage information from surrounding jurisdictions and presented them to the City Manager for comparison. As a result, we were able to increase the hourly wage $5.00/hour and successfully hired a great deputy!
PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL FUNERAL HOMES
Our office conducts investigations on unclaimed and indigent person cases on behalf of the City of Salem. I was able to establish a working partnership with three funeral homes to minimize costs associated with these cases and effectively and efficiently share the load of cases beyond our previous arrangement with only one local funeral home.
COLLABORATION
In efforts to ensure the citizens of Salem receive the very best of services, we collaborate and partner with the Salem Police Department as manpower allows. We have worked alongside their officers during the Salem Fair, assist with calls for service as needed, trained in-house on active shooter response, and consistantly work to ensure we build better relationships with one another. Other collaborative efforts have been the Citizens Police Academy and National Night Out.
FULL TIME DEPUTY PAY INCREASE
In conjunction with City Management, and after bountiful communication, all full-time deputies will receive an increase in pay effective July 1, 2021. This increase will make our starting salaries competitive within the Roanoke Valley which will attract higher quality employees and be helpful with retention.