Forbis/Photo via campaign
The following Letter to the Editor was written by Joel W. Richardson:
During the month of January 2024 Roger Short, a candidate running for Sheriff of Randall County, has posted on Facebook and has spoken in various interviews a pledge to create more educational programs should he be elected Sheriff. He highlighted his past involvement in Neighborhood and Business Watch programs, drug abuse and addiction campaigns such as Just Say No, the DARE program and McGruff the Crime Dog.
These programs established in the 80s and 90s have been replaced with sophisticated and affordable technology like the Ring camera; embraced social media platforms and apps like the Randall County Sheriff’s App and Facebook neighborhood communities. Many of the old programs lost federal funding and received backlash for oversimplifying the complex issue of drug abuse and addiction that the old DARE program did not address. Currently the spotlight is on initiatives that consider risk, and protective factors, promote resilience, and actively engage families and communities. These strategies are viewed as potentially more effective.
Under the guidance of Sheriff Chris Forbis, the Randall County Sheriff’s Office is now engaged in numerous initiatives, task forces and collaborations with law enforcement agencies and private partners that either thrived or were established at the local, state or national levels.
Notable programs include:
The Citizens Academy that provides Randall County residents with insights into the Sheriff’s Office operations.
The Student Academy that offers students specialized knowledge in policing.
The Spouse Academy which provides resources for law enforcement personnel and their partners to understand the challenges faced in the field.
The Student Internship program, offering hands-on learning for those interested in a career with the Sheriff’s Office.
The PREP program, focused on educating inmates for successful reentry into the community.
The Jail Ministry, offering support for inmates seeking spiritual connection.
Moreover, the RSCO has an exceptional, highly skilled and advanced SWAT team that consistently provides support in high-profile cases, including the instance involving Chris Brown, who arrived in Amarillo with intentions to harm our Jewish community. The RCSO SWAT team is highly respected and called on for assistance by other law enforcement agencies in the Panhandle. Thanks to its dedication and diligence, the RCSO SWAT team is deeply devoted to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.
The RCSO maintains a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) consisting of highly trained deputies dedicated to addressing mental health challenges in our community. This team provides crucial support to uniformed officers and first responders during critical incidents. The primary goal is to enhance the safety of everyone involved, including individuals in crisis, officers and our community. The CIT provides assessments in crisis situations, employs de-escalation techniques and collaborates with mental health professionals.
Additionally, RCSO actively participates in the Panhandle Auto Burglary and Theft Unit (PABTU), a combined effort to investigate and combat auto burglary and theft in the Panhandle region.
The RCSO has actively participated in or supported significant cases related to homegrown violent extremists, antisemitism, drug cartel activities, transnational criminal organizations, human trafficking, and outlaw motorcycle groups, including the Bandidos Rally that occurred in Amarillo a couple of years ago. Additionally, the RCSO collaborated with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Panhandle to offer classes on U.S. law to educate resettled Afghan refugees who arrived here following the tumultuous withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan.
Roger Short’s interviews and Facebook posts underscore a concerning disconnect from the current realities of our world. Our nation, and particularly Randall County, faces diverse threats that cannot be addressed with outdated programs and a dog mascot. These challenges command a forward-thinking Sheriff who can grasp and adapt to evolving threats and lead with integrity.
Sincerely,
Joel W. Richardson, Sheriff Retired
Randall County, Texas
46+ years law enforcement
13 years as Chief Deputy
20 years as Sheriff