Vincent Pacelli, Democrat [Profile]

Candidate For: Sheriff

Political Affiliation: Democrat

Born: February 2, 1958

Hometown: Manchester

Profession: Law Enforcement Officer

Company: Carroll County Sheriff's Office

Years Experience: 34 years of Law Enforcement experience

Political Experience: Candidate for Carroll County Commissioner 2010. Councilman for the Town of Manchester Md.

Marital Status: Married

Children/Age: 30, 27, 24, 19

Current Employment: Carroll County Sheriff's Office

How Many Years: 6.5

Education: B.A. Criminal Justice

Community Groups Involved In: Knights of Columbus

What are the three main issues you wish to address during your campaign and how do you plan to address them?

Issue 1: Reduce crime and work to eliminate/mitigate quality of life issues. This will be accomplished through the implementation of the "Three P's " of community policing. Partnership, Problem Solving, and Prevention. They key is "Partnership." Through Partnership we show value in each other. It is important that Law Enforcement does not merely impose its will on people or a community, but instead works with the community to solve and prevent problems. The Three P's of community policing are inherently flexible. This is important as each community has its own identity and problems or issues that may be particular to that community. The Three P's provide a springboard for improved law enforcement service. I have used the Three P's quite successfully as a member of the Baltimore Police Department, as director of security at the University of Maryland Medical Center, and as the Union Bridge Community Deputy. In each case crime! was reduced and the quality of service improved. An interesting by product of the Three P's is that in time, law enforcement officers exposed to this program develop a sense of ownership with the communities they serve: stake holders if you will.
Along with the Three P's I will put in place the four fundamentals of crime prevention. They are as follows: 1. Accurate and timely intelligence communicated to all. 2. Rapid deployment of resources that is synchronized, coordinated and focused. 3. Effective strategies and tactics. 4. Relentless follow up and assessment.
I plan to work closely with all segments of the criminal justice system in a coordinated effort to improve Carroll County.

Issue 2: Drug enforcement to include a focus on underage drinking.
Carroll County suffers from an underground drug problem No, we do not have open air drug markets and the violence associated with those markets. However, as a member of the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, I have a front seat as to the destructive nature of substance abuse. The use of heroin in Carroll County has skyrocketed. It is time that Carroll County has its own dedicated Drug Enforcement Unit. The investigation of drug overdose cases will be a priority in hopes of identifying the drug supplier. The abuse of prescription drugs will also be pursued relentlessly.
Underage drinking is a historical problem in Carroll County and is not getting the attention it deserves. This must change.

Issue 3: Work to improve school safety and security. Continue our efforts with the school system. Expand the role of the Sheriff's Office; develop a program where deputies work over the summer months with students who have been identifies as "at risk." Work with the school system, Juvenile Justice, and community groups in developing a variation of Dr. David M. Kennedy's "Cease Fire" program. The Cease Fire program has seen considerable success in reducing crime; we would of course modify it to fit our needs. This would take a great coordination of effort, but I believe it can be done and is certainly worth the effort.