MOVING FORWARD

As your Sheriff, I have made it my mission to lead the Camden County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) with integrity, transparency, and dedication to the community we serve. Our progress over the past decade has set a solid foundation, but I believe we can do even more to ensure a brighter future for Camden County.

My promise to you is clear: I will continue to lead with the same level of dedication that has brought us this far, while implementing forward-thinking strategies that promote safety, engagement, and trust between law enforcement and the community. Under my leadership, we will build a Sheriff’s Office that not only serves but truly connects with the people of Camden County.

1. Continued Professional Development and Training

To meet the evolving challenges of modern law enforcement, it is critical that our deputies are continually equipped with the skills and training they need to perform their duties safely and effectively. I promise to prioritize:

• Ongoing tactical and de-escalation training to ensure that all deputies can handle even the most challenging situations with professionalism and restraint.
• Use-of-force policies that prioritize public safety while maintaining accountability within the Office.
• Specialized training programs to equip our deputies to deal with mental health crises, substance abuse situations, and other merging community issues.

Through this commitment to professional development, I will ensure that CCSO operates with the highest standards of professionalism and preparedness.

2. Strengthening Community Engagement

The relationship between law enforcement and the community is the cornerstone of effective policing. I have already implemented initiatives to foster trust and open dialogue, but there is more we can do to strengthen these ties. Moving forward, I will ensure that we expand our community outreach efforts by continuing and introducing events that bring our deputies and citizens together, such as:

• Blood Drives to encourage life-saving      donations that support our local hospitals and residents in need.
• Food Donation Events aimed at assisting families and individuals facing economic hardship, because no one in Camden County should go hungry.
• Overdose Awareness Events to educate the public on the dangers of substance abuse and provide support for those affected by addiction.
• Coffee with a Cop events, where residents can meet with deputies in a relaxed setting to share concerns, ask questions, and build mutual understanding.
• And many more community-centered events that reflect our commitment to being      an accessible, transparent, and compassionate Sheriff's Office.

3. Building on Successes and Expanding Public Safety

Since 2023, we have significantly reduced use-of-force incidents and vehicle collisions due to police pursuits. This is no coincidence—it is the direct result of focused, effective leadership. As we move forward, I will continue to implement policies that prioritize public safety while empowering our deputies to do their jobs with confidence and clarity.

I have already made personnel changes that have improved employee morale, streamlined public information, and driven the overall development of the Office. We are on an upward trajectory, but there is more work to be done. I pledge to:

• Appoint and retain a strong command staff that will work collaboratively to ensure the Sheriff’s Office is operating efficiently and effectively.
• Expand our efforts in crime prevention and community safety through targeted programs that address the root causes of crime.
• Promote transparency and accountability through open communication with the public, ensuring that every citizen is informed and aware of the Sheriff’s Office’s efforts to protect them.

4. A Strong Vision for the Future

The future of Camden County is one of growth, prosperity, and security. I envision a Sheriff’s Office that serves as a model for law enforcement agencies across the state—an Office that is not only highly skilled but deeply invested in the wellbeing of our citizens. To achieve this vision, I will continue to:

• Uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring that every member of the Camden County Sheriff's Office is accountable to the people they serve.
• Promote innovation by adopting new technologies and strategies to enhance our ability to protect and serve our community.
• Listen to the concerns of residents and work to address the issues that matter most to you, whether it’s traffic safety, neighborhood crime prevention, or community wellness.

On November 5, 2024, I humbly ask for your support to continue this work. Together, we can ensure that Camden County remains a place where families feel safe, businesses thrive, and law enforcement is a trusted partner in our shared future.

Thank you for your trust and support.

Sheriff Jim Proctor