2022 Colorado Primary

Republican

EL  PASO  COUNTY  SHERIFF  CANDIDATES

TODD  WATKINS

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL:      www.ToddWatkinsForSheriff.com

Email Address:      ToddWatkinsForSheriff@gmail.com

Occupation/Vocation:    Retired Federal LEO

Military Background:     US Army

Resident of El Paso County:      7 years

Experience

What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Sheriff that will benefit our county?

  • 28 years combined military and law enforcement experience

  • Law enforcement special operations including search and rescue

  • Emergency Manager USBP

  • Operational leader and strategic management in a law enforcement agency with over 20,000 sworn agents

  • Law enforcement executive officer in organization with over 4,000 sworn agents

  • Interagency and Intelligence Community

  • Counter-Transnational Organized Crime

  • Counter-Terrorism

  • MA Emergency Management & Homeland Security

Vision

What is your vision for being our county’s Sheriff?

The sole purpose of government is the protection of our God-given rights. Thus, the primary focus of the sheriff (and all police agencies) must be the protection of citizens’ rights. I will make the defense of the US Constitution the primary mission of the sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office will be the premier peace keeping agency in the state using the US Constitution as the steering guidance for how the agency performs its duties. By ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution, the sheriff will promote the founders’ vision of small and limited government, thus, providing freedom and liberty to the people while ensuring that criminal violators are arrested and handed over for prosecution.

Sheriff's Role

What are the roles, rights, and duties of the El Paso County Sheriff? Are their specific ways that have you seen law enforcement agencies abuse their authority that concern you, and how will you prevent that from happening in the El Paso County Sheriff Department?

The sheriff is the last line of defense for the protection of our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms from anyone who tries to infringe upon those rights. The sheriff can and must make the utmost priority of protecting our rights from all enemies foreign and domestic. The sheriff has the right and the authority to prevent anyone, no matter who they are or whom they work for, from abusing people’s rights. The sheriff must use his authority to stop and if appropriate, charge any government employee who does this. Neither the state, nor the federal government is superior to the sheriff, because the sheriff’s authority is derived from the people who elected him and government derives its authority from the people.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As Sheriff, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our county, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

Human trafficking is a plague. I will prioritize resources and efforts to target trafficking operations, rescue victims, and punish traffickers. I will use any assets available to me to accomplish this. Crimes against the elderly are disgusting and I will pursue those who do this. Crimes against children are despicable and I will tirelessly pursue anyone who harms a child. I fully support arming school staff and will gladly train those who elect to. I am an active shooter response instructor and will ensure that every deputy is trained and understands his/her duty in response to such an incident. If there is any way to bring charges for abortion, I will. I will protect those who can’t protect themselves.

Governmental Overreach

How will you defend and protect the Constitutional rights of the people of El Paso County against any unconstitutional overreach by state or federal government? (For example: “No Knock Raids”, “Red Flag Laws”, and “Health Mandates”.) In addition, how will you defend and protect El Paso County citizens against ANY unlawful act by any individual, governmental agent, foreign/international governmental body, or organization?

The sheriff can and must refuse to enforce any unconstitutional statute, order, mandate, or regulation. This is called nullification and is not dissimilar from The Doctrine Of The Lesser Magistrate. Red Flag laws are unconstitutional. Health mandates are unconstitutional and must not be enforced or obeyed. No Knock Raids must only be used when there is imminent danger to an innocent victim/hostage and then only if there is ample probable cause to believe that such a situation exists. Absent this very extreme set of circumstances, No Knock Raids should not be used. The sheriff must not only not participate in government overreach, he must take action against it when it occurs.

Immediate Challenges

What do you believe will be your most significant challenges as Sheriff of El Paso County? How will you address the overcrowding in the jail, illegal drug issues, and human trafficking in our county?

Retention and recruitment are immediate challenges that must be vigorously addressed. The department’s mission is suffering because of the loss of manpower. Current employees must be retained before new hires can be sought. New and effective leadership will likely improve retention. Treat your employees right, and they won’t leave. Morale is the commander’s responsibility. COVID protocols have been the biggest contributor to jail overcrowding. I will end COVID protocols. Drug dealers will be arrested. Drug and human trafficking rings will be aggressively pursued and dismantled. I will use every tool available to me to find and dismantle these organizations. Drug dealers will be arrested. Illegal grows will similarly pursued.

Recruitment and Retention

How will you recruit and retain highly qualified talent in the Sheriff’s Office? Do you plan to address the diminished police protection to the rural areas of El Paso County, and if so, how?

Ending corrosive workplace practices like cronyism and applying fair and equal standards (such as merit-based promotions) across the workforce will improve morale. Providing clear direction and expectations will also improve morale. Improving morale will improve retention and retention must precede recruitment of new hires. I will recruit former EPSO employees who left to other CO agencies as retention effort. When the current workforce is stabilized, I will place emphasis on recruitment of military members leaving active duty. I will streamline the HQ element to provide more available manpower for patrol. “Take home” vehicles for deputies who live in or near rural areas will provide more and better coverage.

Interdepartmental Cooperation

What will you do to work cooperatively with local Police Departments and other law enforcement agencies within El Paso County to provide better public safety?

All local police departments should have interagency agreements, which should clearly identify their relationships. Forming taskforces among the local departments will provide mutual aid and assistance and serve as force multipliers. A centralized/joint dispatch/communications center will also strengthen local cooperation. The sheriff can (and should) deputize other local departments. The relationships between state and federal agencies must be clearly and uncompromisingly defined to establish the fact that local agencies are always in charge. State and federal agencies should only serve in support roles to and only at the request of local agencies. They do not have freedom to operate unless granted permission by the sheriff.

GREG  MAXWELL

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL:      www.GregMaxwellForSheriff.com

Email Address:      Greg@GregMaxwellForSheriff.com

Occupation/Vocation:    Reserve Lt. / Director of Security

Resident of El Paso County:      33 years

Experience

What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Sheriff that will benefit our county?

I have 20 years of experience in the Sheriff’s Office, working a variety of assignments beginning as a chaplain. I’m currently a Lieutenant over the Reserve Unit. I’m also the president/founder of the Sheriff’s Office Foundation which promotes private/public partnerships with our community. I have 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur/business owner and am known for finding innovative solutions. Additionally, I have eight years of experience as the Director of Security, for both a local Christian school system and the world-renowned Broadmoor Hotel. This cumulative experience has given me a breadth of knowledge and trusted relationships throughout our community, state, and nation, setting me apart from the other candidates, which is crucial in leading the office into the future.

Vision

What is your vision for being our county’s Sheriff?

My vision for the Sheriff’s Office is to protect the citizens of El Paso County’s God-given constitutional rights and liberties. I will empower employees to excel within the workplace with the training and resources they need to protect and serve, setting the standard locally and nationally as a professional workforce. We will be transparent in how we police, with a focus on crime prevention and innovative intelligence-led policing. I will hold myself, along with the entirety of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, accountable to serving the community with professionalism and dignity, reflecting the valor, spirit, and pride of our great county. The goal of this partnership is to restore the community’s trust and faith in law enforcement.

Sheriff's Role

What are the roles, rights, and duties of the El Paso County Sheriff? Are their specific ways that have you seen law enforcement agencies abuse their authority that concern you, and how will you prevent that from happening in the El Paso County Sheriff Department?

The duties and responsibilities of the Sheriff are set forth in Colorado Revised Statutes, which include keeping the peace and order in El Paso County, providing law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of the County, operating the El Paso County Jail to include the transportation of prisoners, maintaining civil process throughout the county, coordinating search and rescue efforts, and operating as the fire warden for the County, all while protecting the citizens’ God-given Constitutional Rights. The Sheriff’s Office also issues concealed handgun permits. I will establish a well-trained and well-educated workforce, knowledgeable not only in Colorado law, but also well-versed in Constitutional law, ensuring the citizens of El Paso County’s rights and liberties are protected and never infringed upon.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As Sheriff, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our county, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

As Sheriff, it is my duty to protect and serve these vulnerable and victimized populations. The unborn are under attack from drug abuse, domestic violence, and legislative actions, all of which threaten their very existence. It is critical that the Sheriff has an awareness of what affects these vulnerable populations. I attend many of the local/national human trafficking meetings to ensure I am ready to combat the human trafficking crisis. The Senior Liaison program that is in place will be bolstered when I fix staffing issues. Also, I have relationships with multiple organizations in this community which will enhance the safety of the elderly. The Sheriff is responsible for the safety of all people, especially those who cannot protect themselves.

Governmental Overreach

How will you defend and protect the Constitutional rights of the people of El Paso County against any unconstitutional overreach by state or federal government? (For example: “No Knock Raids”, “Red Flag Laws”, and “Health Mandates”.) In addition, how will you defend and protect El Paso County citizens against ANY unlawful act by any individual, governmental agent, foreign/international governmental body, or organization?

It is my duty, responsibility, and honor to defend the Constitutional rights of El Paso County citizens. As a respected leader, I will run the Sheriff’s Office with strong and trusted relationships with our state and federal law enforcement partners. I will be consulted prior to the execution of no-knock raids that will only be used in the most extreme circumstances in order to preserve life and safety. I will not enforce red flag laws as the law was poorly written and is not needed. We already have a process in place for writing appropriate warrants to ensure citizens are safe and secure. As your Sheriff, I will not enforce health mandates that violate personal choice.

Immediate Challenges

What do you believe will be your most significant challenges as Sheriff of El Paso County? How will you address the overcrowding in the jail, illegal drug issues, and human trafficking in our county?

As your Sheriff, it is my responsibility to address the lawlessness and increasingly troubling drug use and crime in our community, which is at an unacceptable level. As your next Sheriff, I will not tolerate this as a way of life for El Paso County residents. Regarding our jail’s population, I will ensure that we are housing the offenders that threaten the safety of our community and not using our jail to house the mentally ill. I will also promote education and reform to reduce recidivism. Human trafficking exists in our community, and I will partner with community resources to educate them about human trafficking activity to ensure the safety of the public and create an environment unwelcome to traffickers.

Recruitment and Retention

How will you recruit and retain highly qualified talent in the Sheriff’s Office? Do you plan to address the diminished police protection to the rural areas of El Paso County, and if so, how?

The Sheriff’s Office is currently operating with all-time historically low manpower levels. As your Sheriff, I will be innovative and aggressive in my recruiting of talent, to include advertising on social media platforms, opening lateral positions, and conducting nationwide searches. I have listened to the concerns of our rural El Paso citizens and am committed to bolstering our law enforcement presence in those areas. I will support employees of the Sheriff’s Office, empowering them to achieve their highest potential, and publicize the good work our employees are doing to keep the public safe. Sheriff’s Office employees will know they are supported, and the citizens of El Paso County will know we are there to protect their rights and liberties.

Interdepartmental Cooperation

What will you do to work cooperatively with local Police Departments and other law enforcement agencies within El Paso County to provide better public safety?

Good relationships with other law enforcement entities are critical to public safety. I have those relationships. Working in a silo as an agency is not a good plan. On day one, as your Sheriff, I will bring developed and trusted relationships with numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement entities, promoting close collaboration with those agencies and a safer community. Fostering those relationships means the sharing of resources, to include intelligence, investigative and technical expertise, and fire mitigation, to name a few. We are in tumultuous times, and as your Sheriff, I will maintain a position of leadership and trust within the law enforcement community, to be able to reach into those agencies and foster the safety of the public.

JOE  ROYBAL

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL:      www.RoybalForSheriff.com

Email Address:      Joe@RoybalForSheriff.com

Occupation/Vocation:    Undersheriff / Law Enforcement

Military Background:     USMC

Resident of El Paso County:      49 years

Experience

What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Sheriff that will benefit our county?

I have served the community and the Sheriff’s Office for over 26 years, and I am the Vice President of the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition, protecting our 2nd Amendment rights. I began my career in 1995, graduating from (P.O.S.T) Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy. I have worked my way through the ranks starting at Sergeant, Lieutenant, Commander, Bureau Chief and Undersheriff. During my 26 years I have served in diverse capacities to include the Jail, Court and Transport, Internal Affairs, Intake and Release, the Special Response Team, Metro, Vice, Narcotics, and Intelligence while working with a Street Impact Team, and Marijuana Regulation, Concealed Handgun Permits, Training, Recruiting, and Budget and Finance.

Vision

What is your vision for being our county’s Sheriff?

I will address the mental health crisis in our County both in the community and in the Jail by increasing efforts and programs proven effective. I will provide more protection for the innocent and consequences to offenders (Reduce victims and crime) through systems designed to prevent crime. Finally, I will continue to combat assaults on our constitutional rights and efforts to discredit and hinder our police forces.

Sheriff's Role

What are the roles, rights, and duties of the El Paso County Sheriff? Are their specific ways that have you seen law enforcement agencies abuse their authority that concern you, and how will you prevent that from happening in the El Paso County Sheriff Department?

The duties of Sheriff are to uphold the Constitution, operate the jail, serve civil/criminal warrants, coordinate search/rescue, act as Fire Warden and protect the citizens of El Paso County.

I will take swift action against corruption and abuse of power. I will prevent abuse of power by providing above standard training, clearly defining expectations, and create a culture which promotes transparency, accountability, and ownership of actions.

I will provide the community the opportunity to voice concerns through a solid complaint system. Complaints and misconduct will be investigated thoroughly and in some cases through an investigation conducted by an outside party.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As Sheriff, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our county, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

To make the biggest impact for our most vulnerable, we must impact the laws in order to provide statutory protection. I will begin with education and awareness, making the community aware of risks and threats and how to protect themselves. Working with legislators to introduce bills to protect our community will make the biggest and long lasting impact.

Governmental Overreach

How will you defend and protect the Constitutional rights of the people of El Paso County against any unconstitutional overreach by state or federal government? (For example: “No Knock Raids”, “Red Flag Laws”, and “Health Mandates”.) In addition, how will you defend and protect El Paso County citizens against ANY unlawful act by any individual, governmental agent, foreign/international governmental body, or organization?

It is my Constitutional obligation to ensure I uphold the law and hold others to it. It is my intent to honorably meet and maintain this obligation. I will seek to hire individuals with integrity and train them with the same understanding of Constitutional law. I will work with legislators to protect El Paso County from undue governmental encroachment. I will seek community support and input regarding legislation with potential impact to El Paso County. I do not intend to enforce any unlawful mandate or require my sworn staff to do so. I have personally chosen not to adhere to the health mandates recently directed by governmental agencies. This is testament to my beliefs and conviction.

Immediate Challenges

What do you believe will be your most significant challenges as Sheriff of El Paso County? How will you address the overcrowding in the jail, illegal drug issues, and human trafficking in our county?

My most significant challenges are battling legislation, unfunded mandates which adversely impact law enforcement or quality of life in El Paso County and staffing. I am qualified and prepared to address these challenges.

Overcrowding in the jail is a matter of perspective. If someone commits a crime against a citizen of El Paso County, they deserve to be incarcerated despite the Jail population.

Illegal drugs transcend many types of crimes. I will ensure deputies/detectives are well trained/equipped to detect and enforce narcotics related crimes and I will engage at legislative levels. I will be proactive in addressing the growing concern of human trafficking in our community by staying engaged in key, collaborative partnerships.

Recruitment and Retention

How will you recruit and retain highly qualified talent in the Sheriff’s Office? Do you plan to address the diminished police protection to the rural areas of El Paso County, and if so, how?

I will recruit and retain talent by making the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office a desired place to work. This will be accomplished by creating and fostering an environment where people feel valued, appreciated, and have a voice.

I am the candidate developing and implementing a substation to serve the eastern and northern areas of the county.

Interdepartmental Cooperation

What will you do to work cooperatively with local Police Departments and other law enforcement agencies within El Paso County to provide better public safety?

Interdepartmental Cooperation: What will you do to work cooperatively with local Police Departments and other law enforcement agencies within El Paso County to provide better public safety?

Over my 26 years of serving El Paso County, I have fostered relations with all local police and government agencies and leadership. I routinely discuss matters affecting our community with these leaders and work in collaboration to identify solutions.

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