Candidate for
Sheriff; County of Humboldt

Informational Statement Michael T. Downey

I am the candidate for Sheriff of Humboldt County. I have been a Deputy Sheriff with the County of Humboldt for the past 24 years, the last three years I have served as Undersheriff, 2nd in command, Executive Officer to the Sheriff. During this time I have served in nearly every division of the Sheriff's Office and in every geographical area of the county. Due to my variety of assignments I have developed the skills and experience required to lead as Sheriff, for the next four years. I have witnessed the diversity of the different areas of the county and experienced the individualism of it's citizens, which makes Humboldt County second to none.

.Dedicated to Building Safer Communities. (SLOGAN) ·Implementation of community based programs:

1. Community Oriented Policing (COP)

2. Problem Oriented Policing (POP)

3. Increase the number of neighborhood Watch Programs

4. The development of community liaison groups.

·Increased patrol of rural areas ·Enhancing and increasing volunteer programs within the Sheriff's Office ·Maintaining a safe and secure environment in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. ·Increasing inmate based community work projects (SWAP) ·Providing fair and effective leadership

Bio Info.

1.24-year veteran with the Sheriff's Office
2.3 years as the Undersheriff, second in command
3.Promoted through the agency

· Patrol Deputy
· Marijuana Eradication team/DEA task force member
· Field Training Officer
· Firearms Instructor
· Weapons Armorer
· Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team member for 10 years
· Search and Rescue Training for high angle and snow rescue
· Resident Deputy Shelter Cove
· Sergeant/Commander Garberville Office
· Lieutenant/Commander Patrol Division McKinleyville Station
· Lieutenant/Commander Main Station
· Undersheriff

As stated, I am currently the Undersheriff of Humboldt County, 2nd in command of the entire Sheriff's Office. I report directly to and only to Sheriff Philp. I have executive authority over each of the six divisions, 11 separate budget units, 235 full time employees and roughly 100 to 125 volunteer staff. The sheriff's office budget for 2009/2010 is approximately 26 million dollars, which is comprised of general fund, grant and other federal and state funding.

The State of California is faced with two to three additional years of $20 billion budget deficits, which has and will continue to result in higher demands for and reduced revenues to counties. This will place an increased burden on ALL California counties for the next two or more years therefore the need for experienced leadership is essential in meeting those demands.

The education, training and experience I have obtained over the years have fully prepared me to become the next Sheriff of Humboldt County. I have an excellent working relationship with all branches of county government, municipalities, state agencies, and labor organizations. I work closely with and have experience with the California State Sheriff's Association.

I have been committed to the Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Humboldt County for over 24 years. I have a passion for Humboldt County and will provide fair and effective leadership as the Sheriff of Humboldt County.