Tom Richie of Rice Lake recently announced he will run for a second term for the position of Barron County Sheriff. His 2002 campaign ran on leading a more efficient and cost effective law enforcement service in Barron County. Richie pledged to target unnecessary and inefficient spending, to reduce property crime rates, and to address the alarming methamphetamine problem within Barron County. He also pledged to create a citizen’s advisory committee, to expand jail ministry and other inmate programs with non-tax dollars, and to utilize inmate labor within the county.

A review of Richie’s accomplishments, indicate he did live up to his 2002 campaign promises. According to Sheriff’s Department records, under Richie’s leadership Barron County has seen: 

• A reduction in burglaries by 56% (702 reported cases in 2002, 314 in 2005)
  
  
• An increase in department revenues by 185% ($233,915 in 2002, $586,943 in 2005)
  
  
• An increase in inmate participation in non-taxpayer funded rehabilitation programs including jail ministry, anger management, positive parenting, alcohol and narcotic anonymous, and High School GED program;

Richie has also proven to be a state-wide leader in regards to methamphetamine related arrests and convictions and was instrumental in bringing closure to the Register of Deeds embezzlement case.  Furthermore, as promised Richie implemented a 12 member citizen’s advisory committee for Barron County citizens to have an avenue to voice their law enforcement concerns.

“Four years ago I stated Barron County had three major problems that needed immediate attention,” said Richie.  “The first being the property crime rate followed by the methamphetamine problem and finally the lack of patrol officers on the street.  “At most times, Barron County had only two patrol deputies working to cover the 900 square miles,” Richie continued. 

“I further stated the best way to address the skyrocketing property crime rate was to go after the methamphetamine users and dealers as I felt there was a direct correlation between Barron County’s high property crime rate and methamphetamine users/dealers, Richie stated.” 

“Through restructuring and reorganization, we assigned two additional patrol deputies on the street, and hired an additional detective to work narcotics and property crimes,” Richie continued. 

Barron County achieved success. Over the last three years, Barron County has been a leader in methamphetamine enforcement and arrests. Property crime rate has decreased each year Richie has been Sheriff. The current rate is the lowest it has been in more than ten years.

When asked why he wishes to run for this office again, Richie says “I want to continue to build on the momentum created over the last four years, I spent my first term restructuring the department to operate more effectively and efficiently both in terms of staffing and budget allocations.  I enjoy my job immensely and feel as a law enforcement team we are making a difference in Barron County,” stated Richie.

Richie feels Barron County is safer in many ways, but there is still room for improvement. He also acknowledged the quality personnel who work with him. Assuring public safety by enforcing laws, arresting drug dealers and users, reducing theft, and housing inmates takes a concerted effort from every person who works within the Sheriff’s Department.  “I am fortunate to work with a professional and dedicated staff.  The success of our department is a team effort,” says Richie.

Richie further stated that the position of Sheriff has changed significantly over the past ten years.  “Criminals today are more innovate, transient, high-tech and more likely to take advantage of the elderly and young in communities where law enforcement is not proactive.  When you couple those facts with a society that is more likely to seek litigation, the Sheriff – now more than ever – needs to be an effective manager, a strong leader and someone who understands the business side of law enforcement.”

Richie has a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a Master’s degree in management administration. Prior to his election as Sheriff in 2002, Richie was Cameron Police Chief for six years.