advertisement

Kevin Tindall: Candidate Profile

Kane County Sheriff (Republican)

Back to Kane County Sheriff

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: Sugar GroveWebsite: TindallforSheriff.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: @TindallforSheriffOffice sought: Kane County Sheriff Age: 52Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Sergeant - Bomb Squad Commander at the Kane County Sheriff's OfficeEducation: Waubonsee Community College - Associate's Degree - Fire Science (Honors) - Associate's Degree - Paramedic (Honors) University of Illinois Police Training Institute - Graduate (Outstanding Scholastic Achievement) Northwestern School of Police Staff Command - Graduate - Vice President of Class - Recipient of the Kreml Award for Leadership Southern Illinois University - Carbondale - Currently Enrolled in Public Safety Management Degree Program (Dean's List) Numerous Additional Courses and Specialized TrainingCivic involvement: Previously Assisted Coaching Football for Youth Tackle Football Program Previous Service on the Sugar Grove Fire Protection District for 22 years Assist instruction in the EMT program at the Fox Valley Career Center.Elected offices held: Sugar Grove Fire Protection District TrusteeQuestions Answers Are sheriff deputies and jail employees competitively compensated?The County Board works to maintain a competitive compensation for employees. One of the issues that should be addressed is that new hires have a long pay schedule stretched into too many years to reach top pay, whereas, area departments have fewer step raises and reach top pay quicker. This creates more of a training atmosphere, and personnel leave for other departments. Overall, the compensation package includes a generous medical and pension benefits. Having worked at the Sheriff's Office for 27 plus years, my fellow officers and myself work in this profession because of a desire to provide a public service, not as a means to become wealthy.Is the current level of jail and patrol staff adequate to ensure the safety of the public and security of the jail?Current staffing levels are slightly below the ideal guidelines, but effective management and deployment of personnel can aid in effectiveness. Unfortunately, one of the main issues in staffing levels are the numerous employees are not able to work due to injuries or out on workers compensation, which creates a shortage on the shifts. This is filled with overtime, eventually creating budgetary issues, and having continuous overtime is not healthy either. Working with the minimum staff also prevents other personnel from attending continuing education training. We have to remember that the Sheriff's Office is a critical infrastructure which cannot fail its mission. Evidenced by recent incidents (budget issues and Delnor incident) that have not been in the best interest of the public. Continually working with the County Board, the Public Safety and Corrections Officer membership the issues can be resolved.What do you see as the biggest gap in solving the opioid crisis in your county? What can the sheriff's office do to help close the gap?The biggest gap in solving the opioid crisis is obtaining information of offenders that possess, share, sell or manufacture illicit drugs. The practice of mixing fentanyl or fentanyl related opioids with heroin is becoming prevalent, which leads to fatalities and a dangerous situation for first responders. The Sheriff's Office needs to become involved, and invested with its community partners. Developing the relationships with pre-hospital care providers, hospitals, and the health department, but also through the schools and working with community programs. Prevention of individuals from addiction begins with prevention of any drug use, but having alternative plans and programs can be created or expanded. Such as the expansion of the Drug Take Back program to reach facilities where citizens can have easier access to drop off prescription drugs for proper disposal. This reduces the chance of prescription drug being accessible for abuse. The medical profession has changed to a practice of managed pain vs. the no pain practice, which should reduce the availability to prescription analgesic medication. Ensuring those that sell, or share prescription drugs or illicit drugs are held accountable through stiff penalties to deter this behavior. This will be an ongoing issue that requires commitment, and continual review or adjustment of programs to maintain effectiveness. The lawsuit filed by Kane County Board against the opioid manufacturers is a potential means of some funding to treat individuals' due to the past behaviors of drug companies. This is in addition to the continued drug enforcement, and partnership with federal agencies.What is the best process for ensuring the department has operational and efficient patrol vehicles?Working with the County Board for the rotation of vehicles, and appropriate budgeting for the vehicles required. This is accomplished through regular maintenance and vehicle information tracking. This information will assist in a better decision of which vehicles to rotate out of service, prior to spending money for expensive mechanical issues. Securing quality vehicles through competitive bidding or through the State bid process, but to have vehicles that are the right fit for performing the functions of the job duties assigned. Updating the vehicles on a regular rotation can also provide for the current industry standard for fuel efficiency and safety features.If the department is called upon to make more budget cuts, what cuts would you suggest to the board?This would be a challenge due to the current struggles with budget issues. There needs to be a better relationship and partnership with the County Board. However, looking at all contractual aspects, such as the medical contract, to prevent being over budget or addressing the issue before budget submission to the County. In an attempt to help the Board maintain the Kane County Property Tax Freeze, this would require working with the Board to make cuts and/or increase revenues, as necessary. Bringing back the Federal Marshal inmate program is a possibility, providing that it is a clear benefit for Kane County, and working the Corrections Officers membership to address issues. Looking at other non-life safety functions or supplies, but to make purchases as necessary, which should become the norm.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Community Partnerships, and the School Resource Officers are two main topics. Developing a Community Risk Reduction Plan with community partners, which includes the schools will address safety and security issues for internal and external threats. Creating the plans and practicing the plans provides for coordination of resources and builds confidence in the response. I will be able to utilize my experience in the Fire Service, EMS and tactical (SWAT and Bomb Squad) to form those partnerships between the public, and public safety agencies to create efficiencies that benefit the public, as well as save money. Focusing on regional partnerships to provide training for prevention, response and mitigation of crisis situations, if they do arise, having already developed the rapport with Federal, State, and local assets.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.General Norman Schwarzkopf - He understood his personnel were his greatest asset, and motivated them to perform in no fail missions with character and competence.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Have a strong work ethic, have respect for others, and treat others fair.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?More family time.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Science - it is the bases for investigating crime scenes, including fire investigation, post blast scene, Bomb or explosive incidents and other scenes.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work hard, have respect for others and treat others fair. Trust in God and remember your family.