The race for Webb County Sheriff
No doubt one of the most heated races on the ballot is the race for Webb County Sheriff. Incumbent Sheriff Juan Garza, who has held the job for the last 15 years, faces Rick Flores, a former investigator and domestic violence counselor for the District Attorney's office, and patrol officer Juan Rivera of the Laredo Police Department. Please read the bios, arranged in alphabetical order, of these three individuals and their answers to the questions posed by LareDOS.
Until June 2003, Rick Flores served as a counselor/criminal investigator for the 49 th Judicial District Attorney's Domestic Violence Unit, providing victims and families of domestic violence with crisis intervention, counseling, protective orders, and referrals to shelter, social services, housing, medical care, and long term therapy.
During his tenure with the Webb District Attorney's office, he was instrumental in organizing the annual Webb County Domestic Violence Coalition Conference, a forum and workshop that laid the foundation for the sharing of vital information.
Flores, a Licensed Texas Police Officer, is also a law enforcement instructor certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE).
He has been an instructor at Laredo Community College Regional Police Academy, focusing not only on the TCLEOSE professional training standards of police academy cadets and officers, but also focusing on their understanding of Family Violence, Victims of Crime, Cultural Diversity, Legislative Updates, and Mental Illness.
He has also worked as a correctional officer, an adult probation officer, and an administrator for the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program.
Flores earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M International University and a Master of Arts in Sociology, Minor in Psychology from Texas A&M International University. He is also working on a graduate degree in Public Administration.
Flores and his wife Alma Davila Flores have two children, Richie and Nohely. Flores is also the father of Rebecca Gutierrez.
Incumbent Sheriff Juan Garza was born in Mirando City and is a product of Laredo schools. He earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice at Laredo State University and continues his graduate studies.
He served a tour in Vietnam and was in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a classroom instructor and Master-at-Arms (20 years) until he retired in Dec. 1992.
He has been a law enforcement instructor at Laredo Community College since 1984. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Crime Stoppers Program at the Laredo Police Department and more than a dozen community-oriented programs for the elderly and school students.
He is a member of the National Sheriff's Association, the State Sheriff's Association, and the International Association of Narcotic Officers.
His community involvement includes membership and support for United Way, WBCA, Texas Special Olympics, and the Domestic Violence Coalition. He is a member of several veteran organizations including the American Legion and the Catholic War Veterans Organization.
Sheriff Garza and his wife Tracy have two daughters Stacy, 10, and Amy, 9.
Laredo Police Department patrol officer Juan Rivera is a 17-year veteran of the force. He has been a narcotics investigator for most of his career and also serves as the department's public information officer. During his tenure on the force, he is credited with over 300 felony arrests and seizures valued at over $3 million.
Rivera was the director of Crime Stoppers from 1990 to 1993. He is a member of the Laredo Police Officers Association and serves that union as chair of the health and safety committee. He was recently endorsed by the LPOA.
He is a 1982 graduate of Nixon High School. Rivera and his wife Pat are the parents of children David, Veronica, Esteban, Amanda, Rebecca, Rudy, Dana, and Leslie, and the grandparents of a granddaughter, Gwyeneth.
Do you consider yourself a public servant first and a politician second?
Rick Flores: Yes, I consider myself a public servant first!
My record of community service is extensive. I have had the opportunity to serve and to have been humbly recognized with numerous accolades for my work in the field of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, and abuse of the elderly in Webb County. Considered an expert in this area, I was selected to serve on a Governor's Planning Council in Austin to research, initiate, and improve better ways in addressing the above-mentioned issues. In addition, I was invited to train and share my experience and knowledge in Northern Mexico to help law-enforcement, social services, educators, and other professionals identify and understand the dynamics of these social ills that affect our communities along the border. I have always considered myself a public servant. However, I understand the dynamics of politics and how it can be utilized to serve the public's needs. I have lobbied effectively and provided a vision to bring a diverse group of people together to work for a common cause. I'm a person that prioritizes the safety and well being of others over all else and will do what it takes to get the job done. To this day, I continue to spend much of my time partaking in the organizing and planning of educational programs and trainings to increase awareness. I've always subscribed to the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child.” We must all get involved to make a difference in our communities.
Juan Garza: I have been a public servant for many years. My career in law enforcement began as a Laredo Police Officer looking out for our community's farewell. I later went into politics. I make every effort to complement both titles because I strongly believe that a hard working public servant is a respectable politician. As such I work with other public servants and elected officials who are also seeking the best for their community.
Juan Rivera: I consider myself a public servant. I am learning the ropes of being a candidate. It is a challenge that is different and exciting.
Why is the Sheriff's office so highly politicized and what role does politics play in the election of the most important law enforcement officer in the County?
Flores: It is highly politicized because the sheriff uses the position as a political machine, manipulating, threatening, and coercing his employees to do as he wishes or face political retribution. Here we are in the 21 st century and nothing has changed from yesteryear! Employees of the sheriff's department today are forced to submit a list of voters or face losing their jobs. This has been evident and much more obvious today than ever before. Since employees have no job security, political retaliation is very common for those who do not see eye to eye with the sheriff's political agenda.
Garza: I believe it's so highly politicized because of the large number of employees within the office such as correctional officers, the civil and patrol divisions. I respect each and every officer's beliefs, ideas, and suggestions. Politics is woven into the fabric of the office and I have to honor and work with other elected officials that make up the county's judicial system such as justice of the peaces, district judges, the county clerk and so on. We need to follow due process and it begins with one of this offices.
Rivera: All elected positions carry a level of politics, to what degree depends on the the persons participating in the election. I do not wish to engage my opponents in such a manner. I feel that we should stick to the issues and be clear as to how we will better the position we are seeking.
The level of politics that come into play are at times unbelievable. The candidates and many times the people lose focus as to what the issues are. They get caught up with the fanfare of the campaign. In law enforcement, politics should be held to a minimum.
Characterize your own leadership style.
Flores: My leadership style is to lead by example. My definition of an effective and efficient leader is one that sets high ethical standards regarding integrity and morality. I am an administrator who is deeply concerned and responsible for his subordinates and who lobbies vigorously for the needs of his employees and the organization. I am known to be a team builder recognizing that in order to accomplish a goal, one must work to allow the participation and contribution of those who wish to partake. To listen and to allow others to contribute is key to effective leadership. A good leader is a good listener.
Garza: Looking out for the welfare of our sheriff office employees has always been my doctrine. I would never place an employee in a situation that I would not be able to face myself. Any sheriff office employee, while I remain in this office, will never have to face a critical or life threatening situation without the necessary skill and training or if we knew such a situation would compromise his safety. My leadership and pro-active style of management has provided not only a safety shield for our employees but for the public-at-large and for our school children by establishing programs that better prepares them to make the right decision when it comes to drugs, gangs, and other of today's challenges.Through quality supervision we share in the decision-making process, teamwork, creativity, and innovation. Furthermore, through an assessment procedure we have been able to bring out an employee's strengths and weaknesses. An employee's weaknesses are viewed as areas to improve through training and education.
Rivera: I would characterize my leadership style as hands-on type. In the 17 years of police experience that I have I have always felt that you learn more by actually doing the job. The class room teaches you the basics. The actual job teaches you the transition between theory and application.
I have used that mentality in teaching my cadets when I was a training officer. The academy teaches you what the laws are. Actual street time teaches you how to apply that knowledge, and be a professional police officer.
Why should the voters of Webb County accord you the privilege of serving them?
Flores: I want what the people want. I want safe streets, neighborhoods, schools, and communities. Our communities have fallen victims to drugs, gangs, and violence. The integrity of the current administration has brought many scandals that have affected the quality of law enforcement in Webb County.
I know what it takes and have the right credentials to be the right person for the job.
I started my criminal justice career approximately 16 years ago as a correctional officer with the Corrections Corporation of America. After graduating with my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, I served as director for the Day Reporting Center (Adult Probation Department). Upon graduating with my Master's Degree in Sociology, I was selected as one of two administrators with the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP). I then acquired my certification and license as Certified Domestic Violence Counselor with the National Association of Forensic Counselors and was subsequently hired with the 49 th Judicial District Attorney's Office specializing in working with victims of domestic violence: women, men, children, elderly, and the physically and mentally challenged. Soon after that, I received my peace officer certification and assisted the office as a Criminal Investigator having multiple duties. Some of my responsibilities with the D.A.'s office included intervention, prevention, investigations, and prosecution of such cases. My experience for the position I seek is vast. I know that I am the most qualified in terms of education, diversified experience, and administrative qualifications.
Garza: It has been an honor and privilege to serve Webb County and work with all city and county public officials. Such a strong partnership is vital in securing the public's best interest when it comes to security, the use of tax dollars, finding grants, and other state and federal funds to take the burden off our residents. My work did not begin in 2003; it has been an ongoing and developing process that started the day I took office 15 years ago. Since then, we have continued to maintain integrity in operating a badly deteriorating jail, securing safe roads that cover over 3,000 miles within the county, and keeping a close eye on our office, spending that in 2003 saw a surplus of more than $700,000.
Because of my leadership and management skills and the hard work of our employees we did not have to go before the taxpayer and ask for more money to do the job that has been entrusted upon me. We are seeing our entire nation undergo difficult times when it comes to federal funds, so it's important that we continue on the same road, saving taxpayers money, working with other elected officials and making sure our citizens, whether traveling on our roads or visiting our public offices feel safe. I have maintained such responsibilities and I ask the voters to examine my record and my qualifications, and not make a change just because I been in office 15 years, but because I have proven that we work hard, without compromising public trust.
Timely information on terrorism or other safety related information is best covered as it becomes available thus continuing my pro-active style of management.
Rivera: To me it is a privilige to serve as a police officer. It is a job that I feel should be conducted by a person that has the intent to serve the community and not special interest groups. After serving for 17 years I feel that I can bring the profesionalism and innovative mentality that we have at the Police Department and implement it into the Sheriffs department. The level of service should be the same, there is no reason why there should be a difference.
What are the most critical needs of the Webb County Sheriff's Department in terms of manpower, equipment, and training?
Flores: There is a critical need to evaluate what is the adequate number of deputies needed to patrol 3,400 square miles. It is known that there are approximately four to six deputies patrolling the 6 th largest county in the State of Texas. This is not acceptable! Public safety should be a priority with any administration. The technology at the Sheriff's Department is antiquated. The cameras and sensors inside the jail are outdated and many, if not all, are non-functional. It's a fact that jail cells are furnished with microwave ovens. This is unheard of in a correctional facility. Drugs are rampant in the Webb County jail. This problem is so insidious that the jail has seen several fatalities due to drug overdoses. The response by the Sheriff to this issue is, “It happens in other facilities.” It doesn't happen in other facilities! Technology today allows effective, affordable drug-testing agents that can determine if drugs are being smuggled into the jail. The system of communication at the Sheriff's office is outdated. Deputies who are patrolling heavy drug trafficking areas have trouble communicating with their dispatcher. Luckily, the Border Patrol has intercepted many distress calls from Sheriff's deputies out in the field.
Training and education is crucial in this day and age. Though some training is mandatory for all law enforcement, only a selected few have had the opportunity to go to several special schools and trainings. While networking with deputies, I have gathered that many Sheriff's Department employees want an opportunity to expand their knowledge and pursue higher education. There is a great need to allow employees to grow academically. I am pro-education. I strongly believe that a well-trained, well-educated work force is the foundation for a strong organization.
Garza: Additional manpower is always a high priority. But I believe every law enforcement office in the nation is looking to strengthen their forces. While cities such as Laredo follow the FBI's staff factor of 2.4 officers for every 1,000 citizens such a formula has not been establish for rural areas such as Webb County whereby the FBI would take into consideration the size of the entity and the number of officers for lets say every five miles. It would be hard because as you know, the population in Webb County is heavy in some sections and sparse in other sectors. But careful planning by the patrol division enables us to respond to any situation with positive results. Plus we work hand in hand with the Department of Public Safety, the Laredo Police Department and the U.S. Border Patrol.
We are working with the County Commissioners Court in obtaining more patrol units and personnel safety equipment.
As far as training, it is mandatory and set by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standard and Education (TCLEOSE). Our officers also undergo specialize training such as SWAT, Homeland Security and programs on Weapons of Mass Destruction such as in a situation where chemical warfare is involved. Training sessions are also conducted to improve management skills and on law enforcement ethics. Other Texas sheriff departments often request information on our community-oriented programs, officer's salaries because we are a sheriff's office with collecting bargaining plus the County of El Paso.
Rivera: The most critical need right now is the lack of patrolmen on the street. Three to four deputies is not safe for the community and it is not safe for the deputies themselves. They are spread out throat the county and in law enforcement trouble strikes without notice and deadly fast. Assistance needs to be readily accessible.
My family and me we live 25 miles outside the city limits, we know first hand what the residents of Webb County face daily. We can't pick up the phone and dial 911 and have a patrolman at our door in minutes, for us it more like hours.
I don't need to feel for the residents, I don't have to understand what they are going through. We live it everyday.
The training we receive at the Police Department is just as good as any big city department. Our officers have the training that is equal to the big cities and we are better than the rest. The Deputies deserve the same level of training because we live in the same county and we face the same risks.
As far as equipment the vast majority of the equipment we have purchased has cost the taxpayers nothing. By having a strong emphasis on seizing drug money we have lessened the tax burden by using forfeited funds and purchasing a state of the art radio system, surveillance equipment, a mobile command center, the B.E.A.R. for our S.W.A.T. team along with 70 fully equipped patrol cars, and 17 Dodge Intrepid patrol cars for our school resource officers have been involved in the seizure of over three million dollars from drug traffickers when I worked narcotics. I know how to take it from the traffickers and how to put to good use.
Give us your assessment for how the Webb County Sheriff's Department measures up to a border county of similar geographic size and population.
Flores: Webb County is the 6 th largest county in the state of Texas and by far it does not have the adequate manpower to protect and serve the residents of Webb County. Our county is approximately 3,400 square miles and four to six deputies patrolling is not enough.
Public safety is not a priority with the current administration. There is much to be done in terms of expansion and progression. There is a dire need to triple our manpower to meet the needs of Webb County residents. Our county has expanded in terms of colonias and other cities that depend on the sheriff's department for law enforcement, and let us make no mistake, that it is the responsibility of the sheriff to provide police presence.
Garza: [No answer provided.]
Rivera: Webb County is the third largest county in Texas. We are the largest inland port in the country. Our problems are different to other counties and cities. The large volume of traffic makes it difficult to keep up with the volume of drugs going north and the money going south. That in conjunction with the influence of the Mexican cartels, and auto-theft places a lot of pressure on our way of life.We will make it an objective to improve the relationship between the Sheriffs Department and the rest of the agencies both Federal and State.
Characterize the morale of the Webb County Sheriff's Department and tell us on what you base yourself.
Flores: The morale of the Sheriff's Department, at this point, is that of excitement about the impending change of leadership. This is based on direct feedback from many employees who share my vision of job security, overall improvement of the department, and the right to exercise their inalienable rights as citizens of this country and community.
Garza: The morale at the Webb County Sheriff's Office is very positive. Our management staff assisted during the last negotiations with the Sheriff Deputies Association and helped secure a four-year contract for our employees, with better wages and other benefits. That was a huge morale booster. Teamwork and my leadership enable us to obtain this.
Judging by the number of sheriff office employees and their families who joined us at the opening of our campaign headquarters, it was a jubilant crowd. What I most enjoyed is the fact that we have so many young people. We have young employees who are working within the sheriff's office, meeting new challenges while remaining in school, studying at Laredo Community College or Texas A&M International University.
Rivera: I feel that the morale of the Sheriffs Department is low. The reason being is that the personnel does not have the ability to express themselves. It is my understanding by speaking with current and ex-employees that they really cant speak out on employment or safety issues with out fear of reprisal.
I believe the union is the voice of the department, and the union needs to represent its members in all issues of concern. I am an active member of my union, ever since I joined the department back in 1987.
Morale will greatly improve by doing two things. One, provide the deputies with adequate equipment, so they can do their jobs. and second let the union represent the members, without interference. Be honest with the union. Let the members pick their leaders and respect the requests of the union. I would like to serve notice to the members of the Sheriffs Association and to C.L.E.A.T that I will not interfere, obstruct, or prevent the union from doing its job in representing it members. I will bargain, negotiate, and deal with you with honor and in good faith, and most important of all “you have it in writing.”
Should the Webb County Jail operation be so focused on state and federal inmates as cash cows? Do state and federal inmates take priority over local inmates and does making room for state and federal inmates spell out faster bonding-out of local criminals, such as a quickly released and bonded Laredoan who recently was apprehended and arrested with a ton of marijuana?
Flores: No, the priority of the Webb County Sheriff is to prioritize the law enforcement needs and demands of all Webb County residents and state inmates housed at the jail. Thereafter, the Sheriff with the approval of Commissioners Court may lobby for federal inmates to assist the county in generating revenue. The Sheriff has many duties and responsibilities and should not be consumed solely by this issue. Furthermore, this opportunity to generate revenue from federal inmates should never be used as a threat or weapon to negotiate his salary.
The view of the current administration simply is that federal inmates pay more. With that in mind, there is a revolving door for state inmates to create space for federal inmates and, yes, this practice results in faster bonding for state inmates. The problem with this is that many serious criminals are prematurely released.
Garza: Texas county jails were not set up to be county-money-making venture. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards clearly states that county jails are to house pre-sentence and sentenced state inmates. Good management of the facility has provided about a million dollars in profit for Webb County after expenses by housing federal inmates on a bed availability bases. Working with our district judges and justice of the peace allows for good management of the jail with the community's security as the first priority. The housing of federal inmates should not take precedent over state inmates.
(Not enough information was provided on the individual you mentioned who was arrested with a ton of marijuana to provide an answer.)
Rivera: I feel that law enforcement should not be considered a money making entity.
but I feel that we should take advantage of the opportunities that are present to lessen the tax burden on our citizens. The jail has the ability to create revenue byhousing inmates. Why not invest in a bigger facility, a better facility that will create revenue for the county. We have the people who know how to run such a facility. We have employees that have dedicated their lives to such a career, why not put that experience to work.the private jails like CCA make millions, what is stopping the Sheriffs Department from not using the experienced men and women who work there. What is the answer, I don't know only the incumbent can answer that.
I would work to build such a facility for the reason that it would create jobs, strengthen the tax base. The fear that I might not get re-elected keeps elected officials from planning too far ahead. I feel if you do a good job you will get re-elected. If you don't, well then you have a problem.
I have worked many such cases, and I to feel frustrated that these traffickers get out of jail so easily. but that is what the system calls for. We have some traffickers in Webb County that have the money to post bond, and they do it. as far as the reduction of bonds I think the decision made recently by Justice of the peace S. Benavides will change the way bonds are reduced in Webb County. We put a lot of effort into making these arrests and we need to work with our judges to ensure that these individuals remain behind bars.
