As Sheriff, David would introduce two youth drug programs. The first would be held in the school classroom. Sheriff’s Deputies, participating local Police Departments and inmates (none violent – minimum security) would teach the importance of drug and alcohol abuse. Students would get first hand information from law enforcement on how drugs and alcohol effect the youth and their future. Inmates would share stories of wrong choices they made and stress the importance of staying in school and not experimenting with drugs and alcohol.

The second program would be based at the Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction. Students would be accompanied by teachers and Sheriff’s Deputies into the jail. A tour of the jail would teach students what it is like to be locked up in jail. After the tour, students would assemble in a function room where inmates would share stories of what it is like to be in jail and their experience within the criminal justice system.

David would like to improve upon and expand the current programs at the jail. While in the Jail and House of Correction, each inmate would be continually evaluated for educational and treatment programs. It is the goal of David Isakson to have inmates who suffer from severe drug addiction and metal health issues to have treatment in a medical facility and not be locked up in jail.

David believes in help after incarceration. Many times inmates are released back into the community without the proper support group or resources to make a fresh start. As Sheriff, David would offer the “On the Outside” program. This program would be held at the Jail and House of Correction and in several communities on a rotating schedule. Former inmates would have the opportunity to receive additional assistance with things such as housing placement, employment and other life skills which were taught while incarcerated, but the former inmate would like a refresher on the subject. David feels that former inmates need to have the proper support to succeed in post incarceration life.

David has been the TRIAD Officer for the Hadley Police Department for the last several years. In that time he has learned the importance of the TRIAD/S.A.L.T. programs. David is committed to continuing the Sheriff’s Departments involvement with TRIAD and has plans to expand the services from the Sheriff’s Department.

David will start a in house visit program for seniors who are home bound and would like a visit from the Sheriff’s Department. David will also offer a phone call “check in” service. A call will be made to the senior everyday at a pre-determined time, if the call is not answered after a few attempts, emergency services are dispatched.

In addition to the monthly meetings held at the COA, David would have meetings at senior housing and assisted living communities. At these meetings, seniors would be given information as to current things happening with law enforcement within their community and within the county. Seniors would also be able to give Deputies expired or unwanted household medicines or prescription medications.

In Hampshire County there are 20 police departments and two State Police barracks. Out of the 20 police departments, 11 of them are part time departments. This means that the department does not have "on shift" officers 24 hours a day. Some departments have on call officers who respond to calls and others utilize the State Police for calls for service after their usual work hours. Of the police departments in Hampshire County, over half normally only have 1 or 2 officers on patrol. If an incident requires multiple officers, police departments must use mutual aid from surrounding departments. This then takes away from the community sending the officer, which may leave that community without coverage. The State Police have troopers who patrol throughout the county, but their numbers are also limited and they also have the responsibly of the highways. 

As Sheriff, David would implement a community response unit. The purpose of this unit would to assist local and state agencies with manpower for incidents such as traffic control at accidents, search and rescue efforts, fire scenes and crowd control for large events or disturbances, just to name a few.

The first 90 days of office will include a complete audit of all services and employees. An outside transition team will evaluate the entire Sheriff’s Department.

As Sheriff, David is committed to fixing the dozens of health and safety problems that plague the facility. David will fight for the funding to replace the modular units with a permanent addition. Officer safety is paramount to David, the security staff will have the most modern equipment made available to them and staff will have up to date training. This includes firearms training and qualifications. NO Deputy will transport an inmate unarmed, for any reason.

A K-9 unit will be created using a Labrador or Golden Retriever to detect for drugs and to assist local agencies with search and rescue efforts.

There will be a standard set for the hiring and promotion process. A department employee board will be created and will have monthly meetings to discuss issues concerning the facility, inmates and employees.       

 Professional not Political