Why I’m Running

I deeply believe in building a safer community for all, where every member can be safe from violence, hunger, homelessness, lack of opportunity, and disease.  This goal can only be achieved through the collective hard work of many people and organizations.  I have spent over a decade trying to advance the field of medicine to assist in this endeavor.  But while advancing medicine is vital, I fear our communities now face a greater threat that medicine can not solve.  Due process is the foundation of our society, yet we are seeing that foundation crack as rights and due process are violated with increasing frequency across our country.  I can no longer stand by while the foundation to our society is cracking.  Our current Sheriff is assisting in the violation of due process for some of our residents.

Video Block
Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more
Donate
Volunteer

“Frederick County deserves a Sheriff guided by integrity, and the rule of law.”

- Jason Ciemielewski

I believe that public safety is built on a foundation of trust. When our systems fail to follow the evidence or respect the rights of our residents, our entire community is less safe. I am running for Sheriff to bring a professional, evidence-based approach to Frederick County that prioritizes justice for survivors, protects the due process of every resident, and restores the bond between law enforcement and the people we serve.

  • Forensic evidence is a critical tool for justice, yet our current Sheriff is failing to meet state law requirements for the analysis of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits. Every unsubmitted kit represents a survivor denied answers and a potential threat left on our streets. I will implement a "zero-backlog" policy, ensuring that every kit that can be tested under state law is submitted for analysis and used to hold offenders accountable.

  • The 287(g) program has turned our local law enforcement into an extension for federal immigration enforcement, often at the cost of our neighbors' constitutional rights. Civil offenses, even those without a criminal conviction, are being used to tear families apart,  often leading to inhumane treatment and additional violations of their constitutional rights in federal custody. I will end Frederick County’s participation in 287(g) to ensure that our local resources are focused on local safety, not on overreaching federal programs that bypass due process.

  • Public safety is deeply hindered without community trust. Currently, a significant disconnect exists between the Sheriff’s Office and the diverse communities of Frederick County. I will move beyond rhetoric to build a proactive partnership with the Police Accountability Board and implement transparent reporting on use of force and department operations. We will earn trust by being an open book, not a closed door.

  • Our Frederick County Deputies are not receiving the pay and access to benefits that they deserve.  Our County requires and expects our Deputies to maintain a high standard of conduct.  However, our Deputies are not receiving comparable pay rates as their contemporaries in law enforcement.  As Sheriff, I will always work to ensure Deputies can access the benefits they need when they need them.  As Sheriff, I will not settle for Deputy pay that is less than they deserve.