Tyler Brown, candidate for Arapahoe County sheriff

Party: Democratic

City or town of residence: Centennial

Profession: Police officer

Campaign Website: tylerbrownforsheriff.org

What makes you the best choice for sheriff?

I am a progressive, innovative leader who will create a progressive, transparent sheriff's office for the future. I'm going to create a bipartisan sheriff's office and create an agency that provides a professional service the all residents. I will empower the residents of Arapahoe County to be active participants to build a healthy, thriving and safe partnership with the sheriff's office.

How has population growth affected crime in the county?

Population growth has affected crime across the state. One of the ways I want to ensure a safe community is to have the appropriate number of highly-trained deputies on patrol to engage in community policing efforts. I support and push for change throughout the community. I believe in empowering the residents of Arapahoe County to be active participants to build a healthy, thriving and safe partnership with the sheriff's office.

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

The dedicated men and women of the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office are well trained in dealing with many situations to include individuals with mental illness. It is important for law enforcement officers to recognize they may be dealing with an individual with a mental illness. It is my belief we can continually add training to expand our knowledge base, and be progressive in our interaction with people affected by mental illness.

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?

I believe trained law enforcement should have the ability to petition a court with the use of due process to remove weapons from people who have been deemed a threat to themselves or others.

What will your top priority be, if elected?

School safety will be my top priority. I will work tirelessly to assist school districts throughout the county to ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff. I am truly passionate about this issue, as it is one that impacts so many people. A partnership between the professionally trained deputies and school district employees is imperative to the academic and social wellbeing of our children of Arapahoe County.