Name: Mindy Kahle
Age: No response
Occupation: Retired
Party affiliation: Republican
Q: Why are you running for sheriff?
A: The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office is facing an ongoing challenge regarding the hiring and retention of detention officers who daily supervise the inmate population. I’m running for sheriff because I know I can bring new ideas and incentives for hiring to address the shortage as well as encourage retention among the ranks. Employees who desire to promote and expand their leadership responsibilities can do so based on merit and experience. Adequate staffing lends to a safer work environment, higher morale and a stronger allegiance to the agency.
Q; What do you consider the top three challenges for the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office?
A: The top three challenges at the CCSO are: detention; overall operating costs, and potential future growth and retention of qualified staff.
Q: What do you believe is the role of the sheriff in Cascade County?
A: The sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county. The sheriff has the duty to oversee the detention facility, enforce county laws and provide for court security. The position of sheriff is elected, which means he/she answers to the people regarding issues that occur in the sheriff’s jurisdiction.
Q: If elected, what would be your initial priorities? What would you do to accomplish those goals?
A: My initial priorities would center on establishing working relationships with current employees, focus on their overall wellbeing, and o7er them the opportunity to provide input on any topic they deem important to enhance the work environment at the CCSO. Workplace stress is common for all law enforcement professionals, so healthy avenues of de-stressing should be supported by the sheriff. Employees want to know they’re valued and appreciated.
Q: If elected, what would be your approach to addressing drug/alcohol addiction problems in Cascade County?
A: My approach to addressing the drug and alcohol problems in Cascade County is to be an active part of the team of local law enforcement professionals who work in a proactive role to prevent the sale and distribution of illegal drugs, as well as prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages to underage individuals. Examining “best practices” of other agencies in dealing with this topic can possibly provide for an enhanced approach for Cascade County.
Q: What approach do you think the CCSO should take to address overcrowding at the jail? Do you believe the jail needs to be expanded or do you think there are ways to reduce the jail population through other means?
A: Overcrowding is not unique to Cascade County; I believe every custodial facility is faced with this issue at one time or another. Local taxpayers are hesitant to approve another Mill Levi for public safety services. Some counties are considering a bond measure to finance a new facility in their locale, financed over a period of several decades. The answer is not an easy one. I would be willing to participate in a study regarding the pros and cons involved in expanding the current facility or possibly looking at a new structure, built on county-owned land, and designed for future growth. I understand the jail currently holds contracts with outside entities regarding inmate reimbursement for housing at CCSO. One way to reduce the jail population is through the proactive efforts of local law enforcement listed in question #5.
Q: What role do you think CCSO and law enforcement should play in crime prevention and how would you accomplish that?
A: CCSO and other local law enforcement agencies work together for the common goal of crime reduction/prevention. Communication between and among the agencies is crucial to establish priorities regarding crime prevention and arrests of those in the county. Targeting areas where high crime exists with extra patrols and undercover assignments can lead to an overall drop in crime, of which every resident benefits.
Q: How would you approach community relations and public information? In your opinion, how can the community help law enforcement keep the peace, (i.e. neighborhood watch, calling in tips vs. vigilante justice)?
A: Community relations between residents and law enforcement is formed by establishing a mutual trust. One way to establish trust is when law enforcement offers to meet with residents through personal contacts, such as neighborhood watch meetings. The sharing of public information by law enforcement, when appropriate, can serve to better the community. Residents who are aware of their neighborhood’s patterns of activity are more likely to report suspicious activity when they observe something that seems out of place. “Vigilante justice” should be discouraged.
Q: Since a major responsibility of the sheriff is the budget, how will you be a good steward of the taxpayers’ money?
A: As I believe that accountability makes for good government, I would, after assuming office, ask for a new, independent auditor, approved by the state of Montana. I believe every budget deserves an in-depth look with “fresh eyes” at expenditures to see if there are areas that can be pared down to lead to a more efficient budget. An auditor’s review can assure if each department is getting what is called, “a good set of books.”
Q: What do you believe is the appropriate staffing level of the CCSO to meet the needs of Cascade County? What resources would you need to make changes?
A: It has come to my attention that an ideal staffing level for the Detention facility is approximately 93 officers, but the current staffing level that is reportedly acceptable for accommodating vacation days, is approximately 73 officers. For patrol, I understand that the acceptable level of staffing is approximately 40 deputies. If any changes in staffing would need to be made, a review of budgeted expenditures for personnel would be in order.
Q: Related to that, how would you address the shortage of detention officers?
A: As mentioned above, I would focus on developing incentives for hiring and retention through merit-based methods.
Q: How should the CCSO work with other agencies such as the Great Falls Police Department?
A: As mentioned earlier, open communication between law enforcement agencies in the sharing of pertinent information as it relates to potential criminal activity in or near their jurisdiction provides for safer neighborhoods through a proactive approach. It is my understanding the CCSO, and the Great Falls Police Department work together to address crime and other areas of concern.
Q: How do you think CCSO can address mental health issues related to crime and those in the criminal justice system?
A: I have met with interested parties who are researching the option of providing temporary housing other than detention for arrestees who are experiencing mental health issues. This is a multi-layered concept that I think would require thorough study in partnership with the local court system and mental health professionals to determine if such a program is feasible. I would be willing to participate in such a study.
Q: Any additional comments on your plans if elected (but please be concise)?
A: Have you heard the phrase, “People over Politics?” To me, public service is about putting others before oneself. It’s the commitment to listen to those who support you and hold you accountable. Integrity and transparency have become buzzwords in our society, but when actually practiced, they convey trust to those you serve. Integrity, to me, means choosing courage over comfort. Transparency in CCSO is honesty. As your sheriff, I am to be held accountable by you the people for the all that I pledge above.
