Tony Spurlock, unopposed candidate for Douglas County sheriff

(Unopposed incumbent)

Party: Republican

City or town of residence: Lone Tree

Profession: Sheriff

Campaign website: SpurlockforSheriff.com

Why do you want to continue to serve as sheriff?

The citizens of Douglas County are among some of the best people I have every had the privilege to know. They are engaged in their community and want to be part of Douglas Counties role in continuing to shape Colorado. I see several major issues facing law enforcement, training, evidence evaluation, increasing property crimes and mental health issues. Much work yet to be completed, I have the skills and community support to get it done.

How has population growth affected crime in the county?

With population growth there will always be an increase of services needed in the county. I have taken every step to work with the communities in Douglas County to provide them with the best services relative to the locations they live and work. Douglas County has very diverse communities with 80 percent of our population living in the northern one third of the county.

Do deputies need to be trained to better handle calls related to mental illness?

Douglas County deputies are all trained in the Critical Intervention Training. I recently partnered with the mental health community, South Metro Fire and Castle Rock Police to launch a Community Response Team which responds to calls where mental health issues may be involved. This program has been a huge success. Still, continued training is needed in this very complex issue.

Should it be easier to take guns out of the hands of people with mental illness who have been deemed a threat to themselves or others?

A revision of the mental health laws (M-1 Hold) still needs to be revised by our legislators. The term “imminent danger” needs to be redefined in the state law, which would allow law enforcement to work with family members to get help for a mentally ill person. The mental health crisis in this country is the issue that has been pushed aside for years.

What will your top priority be in 2019?

My top priority in this next term will be to keep up with the growth of the county in services provided and to work hand and hand with our legislators on the mental health crisis in the state. Equally as important is to make sure that our school district has the resources to provide the safest environment for our youth to get their education.