Candidate for Hancock County Sheriff answers the questions on voters' minds based on Listening Lab Results
In a sit-down interview with a candidate for sheriff, 13WMAZ asked about issues of mental health crises and department improvements.
13WMAZ sat down with one of the candidates in the race for Hancock County sheriff: Frank Meeks. 13WMAZ reporters also reached out to the incumbent Sheriff Tomlyn Primus for an interview, though he never responded to our request
In a separate sit down interview, Meeks spoke on three issues related to the race for sheriff: mental health, transparency in the department, and community trust.
Here is what he had to say:
Mental Health Listening Lab Issue 1
How should the Sheriff's department handle calls where an individual is experiencing a mental health crisis?
Frank Meeks: "We think we can implement a mental health officer in some form or fashion, whether it's a doctor on call. Look, we might have a mental health crisis and we need you on-site. You know, our deputies, can get extra training, but we have to go into this and approach it with empathy and respect to people. "
Department Transparency Listening Lab Issue 2
In the aftermath of Briana Grier's death, there was miscommunication with news outlets, the public, and the family. What is your plan to improve transparency in the department?
Frank Meeks: "If you make a mistake, you have to own it, you have to apologize and you have to try to make it better, you know. So the same thing doesn't happen again. When you deny something happens, it tends to happen over and over and over. And uh I think that's the biggest mistake here there. It might have been a tragedy that young woman died. And was it a mistake? If it was an accident, accidents happen. But to pretend like it didn't happen or try to blame it on the deceased, that's not owning it. That's not taking responsibility that the community gives you to keep up, keep their safety intact."
Community Trust Listening Lab Issue 3
How will you ensure the department builds and maintains community trust?
Frank Meeks: "I'm thinking outreach programs or intervention programs. I'd like to see something done with the drug intervention and alcohol intervention. We have a jail out here that's on the verge of falling in. So, we can take part of that jail and turn it into some sort of a program center."
Meet the Candidates Background
Sheriff Primus has been sheriff since 2001. He has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Grambling State University and a master's degree in criminal justice from Troy University.
Frank Meeks is 62 years old. He lives in Sparta. He served in the Navy for 22 years as a diver. He owns a small restoration company restoring houses and historic buildings in Sparta. He is married and has 3 children and 5 grandkids.
If Sheriff Tomlyn Primus is available for an interview, 13WMAZ is open to sharing his input.