Paul Higgs, Candidate for Fredericksburg Sheriff

In preparation for the Nov. 5 general election, Fredericksburg Patch emailed three questions to the two candidates for City of Fredericksburg Sheriff. 

Read Ron Swaney's responses: Ron Swaney, Candidate for Fredericksburg Sheriff.

Following are the complete, unedited responses from Paul Higgs.

1. Why are you running for sheriff?

I'm running because the city's safety is my number one priority.  With a new $34 million court house opening in 2014 it's the sheriff's job to secure the facility and protect the staff and the public.  I'm the only candidate with experience in court security.  In the 14 years I have been sheriff I have a perfect record on court security on court security and I'm running so that from day one the new court house is safe and secure.  My opponent has no experience in court security and this is no time for someone to learn on the job.

2.  What specific qualifications do you bring to the job?

I bring 27 years of experience working in the Sheriff's office, 14 as sheriff.  I'm a former police officer and graduate of the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy.  I serve on the Rappahannock Regional Jail Board where I have served as chairman.  I have been trained and certified by the State of Virginia, US Marshall Service and DEA in many areas of court security and law enforcement.  I oversee over 60,000 civil process services a year and am responsible for transporting nearly 1000 prisoners a year from all over Virginia to court and back to jail.  I am the only candidate with this experience.

3.  What do you plan to accomplish during your tenure should the voters choose you?

My goals for the Sheriff's Office begin first with public safety and a smooth transition to the new courthouse.  I have helped design the new courthouse and my mission is to ensure that the new courthouse is the safest facility in the city.   As new technologies and training become available, I plan to use it to improve every aspect of the office, including service of civil process and prisoner transport. 

Finally, I will continue to work on something that has been very important to me since I became sheriff: making myself and the office as accessible to the public possible.  I will continue my open door policy and encourage feedback from the community and continue to walk the streets and meet people and answer their questions and help them with their problems. 

Paul Higgs

Related Stories:

• The Candidates On Fredericksburg's November 5 Ballot

• Fredericksburg Patch News - 2013 Election