The Smyth County News &amp;amp; Messenger has under way a multi-week series of profiles of candidates for local public offices, including the candidates for county sheriff. 
Based on questionnaires developed for each of the offices for which candidates are running and their responses, these question-and-answer format profiles reveal the candidates&rsquo; through their own words. The candidates in the series are those on record in the office of the county&rsquo;s voter registrar as having filed to run. Here challenger incumbent David Bradley shares his views. 

The Smyth County News &amp;amp; Messenger has under way a multi-week series of profiles of candidates for local public offices, including the candidates for county sheriff. 
Based on questionnaires developed for each of the offices for which candidates are running and their responses, these question-and-answer format profiles reveal the candidates&rsquo; through their own words. The candidates in the series are those on record in the office of the county&rsquo;s voter registrar as having filed to run. Here challenger incumbent David Bradley shares his views. 

Democratic incumbent David Bradley is serving his fourth term.
Why are you seeking election/reelection?
Serving and protecting the citizens of Smyth County is and has been my passion. Having grown up in Smyth County, I look forward to continuing to make Smyth County a safe and secure environment to raise our children and grandchildren.

What do you see as your qualifications to hold public office?
I feel the citizens of Smyth County need a sheriff with the law enforcement experience to deal with the many situations that arise daily. In my 39 years of experience, I have served as jailor, road deputy, investigator and sheriff. In working through the ranks, I have seen and followed the changes Smyth County has gone through. Laws and procedures change yearly and I have worked to ensure myself and the sheriff&rsquo;s office kept up with ever changing legal issues. Having 39 years of experience and training gives me the capability of better serving the needs of Smyth County.

What philosophy will guide your interaction with the public on a daily basis?
My philosophy is I want to treat others and I would like to be treated. This is why I believe we can work together to make Smyth County a safer place to live. I have an open door policy and I feel I have a good working relationship with the citizens I proudly serve. It is my belief that you also have to have a good working relationship with other law enforcement agencies in Smyth County and the surrounding counties to keep Smyth Countians safe and secure.

What changes are needed in the sheriff&rsquo;s office, and how would you address them?
The accomplishments I have made as sheriff to better serve Smyth County are:
â— Sheriff&rsquo;s Emergency Response Team for high risk calls.
â— Computer systems in all patrol vehicles for faster response times and quicker information to officers and citizens in the field.
â— Have three investigators who have certified from the State Forensic Academy
â— Sheriff and three of his officers are sworn with the U.S. Marshal agency to help in major crimes.
â— Project Lifesaver to help track people who have a tendency to wander from their residence.
â— School Resource Officers in our schools.
â— DARE program in our schools.
â— Neighborhood Watch program in our communities.
â— Operation Safety program for our elderly who live alone.
â— Litter program with inmates to help keep our country roadways clean.
â— Narcotics Enforcement Unit with Narcotics K9 Unit.
â— Missing/wanted persons K9 Unit.
â— Tactical Medical Unit.
â— Crime Scene Unit and Mobile Command Unit.
â— Good working relationship with commonwealth&rsquo;s attorney&rsquo;s office.
â— Good working relationship with sheriffs&rsquo; offices in surrounding counties.
â— Good working relationship with all emergency and law enforcement agencies.
â— Open door policy to listen to the concerns of citizens of Smyth County.
â—Have maintained and expanded the the senior citizens watch programs to make seniors aware of scams, special programs and updates.
â— Have arrested major drug dealers allowing for large drug seizures, drugs that won&rsquo;t make it into our schools and communities. Assets and money seized from these drug dealers have been recycled into our budget to save tax money.
As sheriff, I would like to expand on these programs and training. Also, with technology ever evolving, I would implement more technology based training. With internet based crimes, it requires extensive knowledge of computers and website navigation. It is important to have highly trained and experienced officers in all fields of crimes which take extensive training and time.

Looking at local crime, what trends concern you most, how will you respond, and what trends can be seen as positive?
With the ever changing economic times, property and drug crimes seem to be on the rise. We are increasing patrols to assist in both of these areas. We are seeing criminals from surrounding areas coming into Smyth County. Deputies constantly are receiving training in investigation techniques to assist them with tools to work cases to a successful conclusion. We are working closely with state and federal agencies to combat the drug situation, to assist us not only in manpower but also money made available to aid investigations. Unfortunately, the rise in drug use is a national problem and touches people from all walks of life. Sheriffs are working with legislatures, prosecutors, and mental health professionals to look for answers to combat the use of narcotics.

What one thing would you say to a voter who is undecided headed to the polls Nov. 8?
I would ask for their vote and support on Nov. 8. I would ask that they would vote for the candidate they have:
â— the most confidence in to perform the duties of sheriff.
â— the most confidence in to guide the law enforcement officers into the future.
â— the most confidence in the level of experience the candidate has that would make him successful in leading investigative teams, patrol deputies, court security personnel, special response teams and every aspect of leadership required of the sheriff of Smyth County.
I have 39 years of law enforcement experience and training, and have evolved with the changes in laws and procedures. With the help of the citizens of Smyth County, I am confident I can lead this department forward for the next four years with the citizens&rsquo; safety my primary concern.