Career as a Correctional Officer
I started my career in 1984 with the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office as a Correctional Officer. I completed my basic training at the NJ State Correctional Academy. As a County Correctional Officer, I was responsible to carry out duties that ensured the safe and secure supervision of the inmates in the facility. This included male and female inmates committed to the facility for crimes ranging from failure to pay a fine to murder. Quite often, the inmates suffered from severe mental illness or drug addiction. In many cases, we oversaw the most hardened people of our society.
Experiences Obtained
As a Correctional Officer, I was detailed with helping to maintain a safe and secure environment. I learned quickly that inmates will use coercion or threatening behavior to try to push you to break the rules. I had to learn to stand up to men who were much bigger than me and in some cases, very dangerous. I also learned that most inmates were incarcerated because they made a bad decision, and it was not my place to pass judgement. It was my job to just be a neutral enforcer of the facility policies and to respond to emergencies when they arose. Learning not to be judgmental toward people at the lowest point in their lives and always acting firm and fair is probably my most valued learning experience at this level.
As Sheriff
These experiences readily apply to the role of Sheriff. As Cape May County Sheriff, I will be a neutral enforcer of the law, pushing back against any external influences that would try to undermine the integrity of the office. I will not allow the hiring, promotion, ethical or disciplinary standards of the office be tainted for political gain, and I will strive to be a positive influence within our 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