Response from Vernon Betts, 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?

• The key role is to manage the 22nd Judicial District of the State of Missouri (Civil Courts) sheriff Department. It requires people skills, financial skills, technical or computer skills, Criminal Justice knowledge, Public speaking skills, education, social skills.
• Block Captain, St. Louis Place Neighborhood President, Urban League Member, Executive Board NAACP, Executive Board 100 Black Men, Commissioner RBI Baseball, Tutor and Coach Matthew-Dickey Boys and Girls Club, St. Louis Public .School Teacher, Ameren UE Supervisor (26yrs), Captain at Securitas Security Company, Whelan Security Company, Scot Trade Security, St. Louis Sheriff Deputy Bailiff, Lifetime Missouri State Teachers Certificate, Certified Executive Mail center Manager by the United states Postal Service. License and Ordained Baptist Minister, Two degrees - one in Education and the other in Criminal Justice

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

• I think I am the best person for the position because I possess the temperament, attributes and skills. I have a greater desire to serve the citizens of St. Louis than my opponents.
• What differentiates me from my opponents is my reason for wanting to be Sheriff. I want to make a difference in my community and at the Sheriff Department. My overall skill level and attributes far exceed those of my opponents. My commitment to serve the Citizens of St. Louis is unmatched.

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 pressing issues facing this office are safety. I talked with the Judges and they feel making the Court buildings safer for the citizens and themselves is the number one issue. There are a number of things we plan to do to make that happen. The welfare of my employees is a pressing issue also fair pay, promotions and benefits will help this issue.


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

We will have weekly staff meetings with our employees but daily be involved observing and motivating them. We will have quarterly meetings with the Judges. I will attend daily Roll Call to address employee issues.


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

All employees must attend Diversity classes and Racial Discord will be a regular topic during Diversity forums. Proper treatment of fellow employees and inmates will also be a regular subject during Diversity classes.


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?

I do not have any large contributors. I do not know any lobbyist. Yes, there are a few people whom I will not accept money from.


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 personally have seen the abuse of inmates. That's one reason why I am running for Sheriff. I will stop it, and create a culture where my employees can report such abuse. Employees will be able to report to an independent office not totally connected to the Sheriff's office.