Why are you running for office?
I am running for Hancock County Sheriff because I want to continue my dedication to service for the people of Hancock County that live, work, play and travel through. I have been serving the people of Hancock County for the past 34 years in public safety — 30 of those years with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. My commitment to becoming the next Hancock County Sheriff is not some dream; it is a product of many years of experience, training and leadership in public safety that put me in a position capable of becoming the next sheriff.
What make you a qualified candidate for the position?
I have served the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department in many capacities throughout my 30-year career. I started as a jail officer in 1988 just in time to open up the (current) jail, and within a short time became a supervisor. In 1990, I was able move on to a merit deputy position, spending 16 years working the road becoming a sergeant, then lieutenant. I spent 20 years in SWAT operations, becoming a team leader. I’ve been a certified Indiana Law Enforcement Academy instructor for 22 years and currently instruct civilian response to active shooters and Tasers. I’ve had the privilege of serving as chief deputy at the rank of major for the past seven years.
What are your top three goals for the position?
My top three goals as sheriff are prevention/education, treatment and enforcement. Currently serving as chief deputy I was part of the committee to establish the Underage Drinking Task Force. I would like to see more prevention/education in our schools for middle and high school age kids on the harmful and deadly effects of opioids and other drugs. I will diligently continue to promote education and treatment programs for addiction and mental illness as I have as chief deputy. In 2015, I pushed for two full-time narcotics investigators and will continue to support that division to arrest narcotics dealers.
Do you support construction of a new criminal justice complex? Why or why not?
Yes, I absolutely support construction of a new criminal justice complex. There are various other county buildings as part of this total project. As chief deputy, I have worked closely the past two years with county commissioners, architects and engineers on this project. I work with the jail daily and see firsthand the ill effects to safety and security the overcrowded conditions of the jail have caused. The lack of inmate space limits treatment programs, and has caused us to outsource inmates to other counties at a cost of up to $47,000 per month. I have conducted several public presentations on this project.
Aside from drug enforcement, what other specialized enforcement should the county consider?
An area of concentration law enforcement has recently embarked on is not specialized enforcement, however a specialized effort towards understanding and compassion for those suffering with mental illness. Hancock County law enforcement and other public safety officials are concentrating efforts in crisis intervention for those suffering with mental illness. Many community partners have come together working very hard to make this program a reality. Being able to understand and recognize those dealing with mental illness will allow for a more appropriate response, and provide available resources for a more positive outcome. I recently attended and completed the first 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team training provided in Hancock County.
Identify a strength of the current administration and one that needs improvement.
As chief deputy and part of the current administration I feel we have been extremely proactive in many areas and have accomplished many things. Through outstanding efforts of road deputies making contacts with drug users our narcotics division has been able to arrest more drug dealers in recent years than in the past. Interstate interdictions for narcotics have also increased. We have recently established many community partners with the same like minded goals for treatment and education; but as I previously stated, I feel there needs to be a better concentrated effort for increased drug education for our youth.
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Name: Brad Burkhart
Age: 51
Party: Republican
Office sought: Hancock County Sheriff
Occupation: chief deputy, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department
Political experience: None
Family: Wife Renee, two children
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