“He puts the safety and security of Washoe County families first, this is what we need in a sheriff and I proudly support Darin Balaam for Washoe County.”

– Mike Haley, Former Sheriff, Washoe County

ABOUT

PROVEN AND UNIQUELY QUALIFIED

For 21 years Darin Balaam served in the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in several leadership positions, including Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Sheriff. No one else running for Washoe County Sheriff has the depth of experience that Darin has. As Assistant Sheriff, the third highest position in the Sheriff’s Office, Darin managed a $98 million budget and was responsible for 754 employees and over 500 volunteers. He has worked in all three bureaus of the Sheriff’s Office: Operations, Detention, and Administration. He also commanded the tactical units for the SWAT, Hostage, and Detention Response teams. Darin is a graduate of the University of Nevada with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, and he earned a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Louisville. Darin is an adjunct professor at TMCC and Western Nevada College where he teaches Criminal Justice. He is a proud father of four and lives with his family in Sparks.

STRATEGIES

STRATEGIES FOR THE ISSUES THAT MATTER MOST TO YOU

Washoe County’s future depends on how well we address our most critical challenges. As Sheriff, Darin will work with key community partners to implement a strategic, four-pillar platform that will empower the greater good through efficiency, compassion, and strength.

KEEPING UP WITH GROWTH

To keep up with Washoe County’s population growth, as your next Sheriff, Darin will:

  • Increase deputies by ten per year over four years within budget. Fiscal responsibility and proper deployment of resources and accountability can offset the cost in overtime and turnover.
  • Collaborate with local law enforcement to address crime trends for rapid response strategies.
  • Develop strong partnerships with faith-based communities and non-governmental organizations to identify best practices in addressing community issues.

ENHANCING COORDINATION OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

In 2017, a significant number of the 1,087 inmates in the Washoe County Detention Facility needed mental health services and that number is increasing. As Sheriff, Darin will do the following to address mental health services:

  • Expand Medical Assessment Programs to ensure inmate needs are accurately identified.
  • Identify best outside resources and enhance coordination for treatment logistics.

COMBATTING SEX TRAFFICKING

A recent study revealed that approximately 1,500 women and children are being sold online for sex at any given time in the northern Nevada area. As Sheriff, Darin will protect those most vulnerable by putting the following into action:

  • Develop partnerships with governmental agencies, the legal system and community services to implement sex trafficking prevention strategies.
  • Expand regional victim advocacy programs.
  • Create a regional task force to address sex trafficking in our community.

ATTACKING THE OPIOID CRISIS

The opioid crisis has struck Washoe County in countless ways, and to put an end to this crisis we need to educate and protect all those involved. As Sheriff, Darin will:

  • Train all members within the Sheriff’s Office in identifying the signs and symptoms of opioid use.
  • Collaborate with state and local hospitals and non-profits to create a strategy to address the opioid crisis.

ENDORSEMENTS

Marsha Berkbigler
Washoe County Commissioner

Bob Lucey
Washoe County Commissioner

Vaughn Hartung
Washoe County Commissioner

Geno Martini
Sparks Mayor

Ron Smith
Sparks City Council Member

Neoma Jardon
Reno City Council Member

David Bobzien
Reno City Council Member

Teresa Benitez-Thompson
Assemblywoman

Jill Tolles
Assemblywoman

Skip Daly
Assemblyman

Bob Cashell
Former Reno Mayor

Dick Gammick
Retired WC District Attorney

Mike Haley
Retired WCSO Sheriff

Steve Pitts
Retired RPD Chief of Police

Jim Weston
Retired RPD Chief Deputy

Dan Coppa
Retired WCSO Undersheriff

Anthony Miranda
Retired WCSO Chief Deputy

Rod Williams
Retired WCSO Chief Deputy

Lee Bergevin
Retired WCSO Chief Deputy

Ray Wright
Retired WCSO Chief Deputy

Steve Asher
Retired SPD Chief of Police

Dennis Osborne
Retired Colonel NHP

Brian Sanchez
Retired Lt. Colonel NHP

Mike Whan
Retired RPD Deputy Chief

Tom Robinson
Retired RPD Chief Deputy

Jon Catalano
Retired Deputy Chief RPD

Lee Leighton
Retired SFD Chief

Tim Leighton
Retired TMFPD

Andy Flock
Retired SFD Chief

Chris Perry
Retired Director of Nevada Department of Public Safety

Cherie Williams
Chief Executive Officer Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors

Associated General Contractors

Laborer’s International Union of North America Local 169 Pac Non-Interest

Operating Engineer’s Local Union Number 3

Plumbers and Pipe fitters Local 350

AFL-CIO

CONTRIBUTE

Please make checks payable to Friends of Darin Balaam and mail to:

5245 VISTA BLVD, STE F3-117
SPARKS, NV 89436
775-544-1668

Or, contribute with Pay Pal.

 

 

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