Mike Williams: Why I Want To Be Your Next Sheriff

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Mike,

If you're still checking up on the board, my question is this:

According the numbers posted to the FDLE website and from data pulled from your own department, it appears as though there is no demonstrable 'spike' in violent crime and from '11-'13 (the latest specific information available) there was actually a drop in violent crime across the board to the tune of -1% in total crime and -2.3% in crime rate.

With your opponent pushing a 'No more of the same' campaign against you, why hasn't your campaign committee jumped on and campaigned based on the actual numbers (i.e. departmental performance) instead of playing along with the overall public perception that there's a tremendous increase in crime that's generated by the  media?

[MikeWilliams]

Mike,

If you're still checking up on the board, my question is this:

According the numbers posted to the FDLE website and from data pulled from your own department, it appears as though there is no demonstrable 'spike' in violent crime and from '11-'13 (the latest specific information available) there was actually a drop in violent crime across the board to the tune of -1% in total crime and -2.3% in crime rate.

With your opponent pushing a 'No more of the same' campaign against you, why hasn't your campaign committee jumped on and campaigned based on the actual numbers (i.e. departmental performance) instead of playing along with the overall public perception that there's a tremendous increase in crime that's generated by the  media?

The crime numbers have been important to address in the many of the opportunities I have had to speak because we are at a 40-year low in crime. In 1974, the number of murders was in the low 70's and Jacksonville's recent data shows the murder rate at the same number range.  Additionally, the spectrum of reported crimes has been impacted - basically meaning less "kinds" of crimes are occurring such as home invasions, car thefts, etc.

However, violent crime is up and that is directly related to the drug trade here in Jacksonville. Drug dealers and/or gang activities are the key hubs to the violence we are seeing. That's why I have focused my campaign on the key elements will impact the violence issue: community engagement (more officers out to the neighborhoods) and budget management (doing more with less).

Thanks for your questions

[Keef11]

Mike, first let me say I am new to this forum and find it VERY IMPRESSIVE that you are taking the time to answer questions.  I have one more question.  You said you were Director of Homeland Security for JSO.  What does that mean? 

[jcjohnpaint]

Thanks Mike for taking the time to speak with us at MJ. 

[MikeWilliams]

Mike, first let me say I am new to this forum and find it VERY IMPRESSIVE that you are taking the time to answer questions.  I have one more question.  You said you were Director of Homeland Security for JSO.  What does that mean?

While the Director of Homeland Security and Investigations I had responsibility for every investigation by our detectives and all of our Crime Scene Investigators.  I also commanded the Intelligence Unit, SWAT team, Air Unit, K9 Unit, Narcotics Unit, Vice Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and many others.  JSO is fortunate to have some of the best detectives in the Country.

[Keef11]

I found this good article today on William's committment to the community.  Not sure you seen it yet Mike.
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=545449

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Thank you for your response.

I'd like you to expound a bit on this:

However, violent crime is up and that is directly related to the drug trade here in Jacksonville. Drug dealers and/or gang activities are the key hubs to the violence we are seeing.

We have seen some states¹ completely legalize the sale, possession and consumption of marijuana for both medical and recreational use, and it appears as though more are poised to follow suit.  There are bills in the House that are pushing for the ending of the prohibition of marijuana.

I'm unaware of the type of drugs that are at the core of the crimes, but would have to assume that the illegal sale, transportation and use of marijuana contribute a lot to the statistics. 

As sheriff, would you be willing to take a proactive stance in the decriminalization of this soon to be 'legal' drug in order to reduce the amount of both drug crime and violent crime in Jacksonville?

One would also think that by being out in front of this and having the groundwork laid, both you as new sheriff and whomever is elected mayor would be able to hit the ground running and use the taxes generated to assist in funding some of the holes in the current budgets.

 Presumably in a perfect scenario, less crime would require less impact on the current officers while the additional tax stream could provide more allowances in the budget for other needed programs.


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1.  To date, four states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana (however, D.C.'s model continues to ban sales), 23 states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes and 11 other states have legalized the limited use of low-THC forms of marijuana for medical use.  http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/Marijuanataxrevenue2015.pdf

[mtraininjax]

Where is the Ken Jefferson thread out here? Or is he too busy on WJXT?