Response from Charlie Williams, St. Louis Sheriff Candidate

1. What do you view as the key role, and/or attributes needed for this position? What experience/attributes do you have that qualify you for this position? 

My views of the position of Sheriff are a responsible person that is answerable, liable and accountable for his department. My experiences I was a Drill Sergeant responsible for the training discipline and welfare of men. I was a Corrections Officer responsible for the accountability discipline and welfare of up to 200 inmates. As a Detention Enforcement Officer with the US Marshals I had the responsibility of managing contracts and staying within the budget with 13 Sheriff’s departments and responsible for the welfare and productions of prisoners to court and responsible for the safety and security of the court room.


2. Why do you think you are the best person for this position? What differentiates you from your opponent(s)?

My public safety background my training and experience makes me the best person for the job. What differentiates me from my opponents is I have heard never heard them indicate they have been in charge of a large organization of public safety personnel only the limited training that they gained through the Sheriff’s department. As a Deputy US Marshal I have had the best training and experience America has to offer to lead the men and women of the Sheriff’s department and keep the public safe.


3. What do you feel are the most pressing issues currently facing this office and what plans do you have to address these issues? (please be specific)

The most import issues facing the Department is lack of training poor wages, no incentives to do a better job or get a promotion. I plan to get the department police officer certified conduct continuous training and safety education reevaluate the pay and promotion ladder and offer incentives for good performance.


4. Describe how you work with, or will work with, others to address your priorities.

The way I will work with the Police chief to help bring to justice people who injure or kill our love ones and with my staff address my priorities have A clear channel of communication and strict adherence to policies have clear specific job descriptions goals objectives and work plans meetings and informational bulletins and memos.


5. How will you address racial discord among employees and inmate treatment?

I will address the racial discord among employees by putting out memos and acting swiftly upon any signs of discord among employees and have zero tolerance of unfair inmate treatment through progressive discipline.


6. Who are your 3 largest campaign contributors? Do you have a policy on accepting lobbyist gifts? Are there donors from whom you will not accept campaign contributions?

3 largest Campaign contributors been several business owners north and south city: Hollywood beauty supply LLC , Empire State Security, JMK INC. I don’t have a policy because presently I am not elected official but when I become one I will not accept a gift that influences my decision making I will not accept contributions from donors that I know for a fact has illegal income.


7. Over the last few years, there have been allegations of abuse of inmates when in the custody of the Sheriff’s office. If elected, how you will ensure that abuse is not tolerated within your department and create a culture where if employees see abuse, they report such abuse to superiors?

I will ensure inmate are not abuse by making surprise visits to the work areas of deputies and also frequently put out memos of disciplinary action for abuse of inmates and create a culture to hold supervisors accountable to report inmate abuse.