Warden
In June 2002, I was promoted to Warden of the Cape May County Correctional Facility. As Warden, I was responsible for managing the day to day operations of the correctional facility. This included preparing and monitoring the budgets and overseeing personnel matters. I was also in charge of administering safety and security measures to keep the facility safe for corrections officers and inmates. The position also put me in charge of rehabilitation and re-entry programs for the inmates, which included educational training, alcohol and drug treatment, spiritual guidance and GED testing.
Experiences Obtained
As Warden, my initial goal was to comprehensively understand the budget process of the correction center, so I was better equipped to provide the Sheriff with more precise financial information of its operations. My first year, I conducted a zero-based budget approach which enabled me to identify and correct shortfalls in certain areas. The methodology revealed nearly 20 Sheriff Officers’ salaries were appropriated in the wrong budgetary line item, which needed to be immediately reallocated.
Managing the personnel issues was another task that demanded my direct attention. I reorganized the administrative team to reflect the core functions of the correctional center. I improved security measures and created the first Internal Affairs Officer within the correctional center. I expanded the roll of the Inmates Services Director for better communications with the staff. This expanded roll also established a closer working relationship with the Union representatives. I believe these changes created an effective team-building environment with the staff, while also promoting better trust with the inmates. It should be noted, these accomplishments were made while the facility which was built to house 129 inmates was steadily rising to the record high of 350.
As Sheriff
These experiences readily apply to the role of Sheriff. As Sheriff. I will continue to be fiscally conservative in my approach to spending. I will work with the Union leaders and county freeholders to provide the best core functions for the county while continual looking to improve services for our local communities. Please follow me on Facebook @Richardharronforsheriff. Thank you.
Paid and ordered for by Richard Harron for Sheriff
Treasurer Jennifer Sykes, 264 East Bates Ave., Villas, NJ 08251
